LONDON – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer yesterday called the scenes of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad “devastating”, adding “my thoughts are with the passengers and their families”. “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,” Starmer said in a statement issued by his Downing Street office. “My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.” Air India said the 242 passengers and crew on board the Boeing 787-8 included 53 British nationals. UK foreign minister David Lammy wrote on X that he was “deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad”.
“My thoughts are with all those affected,” he added. “The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support.” Buckingham Palace said King Charles was being kept updated on the accident, while Conservative leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch called the news “heartbreaking”.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday said he was shocked by the crash of the passenger plane with 242 people on board and offered support to those affected. “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heart breaking beyond words,” Modi said in a message posted on social media site X after the Air India flight crashed.
“In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it,” he said, adding he had “been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected”.
India’s aviation minster said he was “shocked and devastated” at an aircraft crash in Ahmedabad, saying his “thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families”. “I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action,” Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said in a statement.
“Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site,” he added. “My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.” – Nampa/AFP