UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed deep sorrow over the tragic Air India plane crash that occurred in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Thursday. Starmer described the news and visuals from the scene as “absolutely devastating” and conveyed heartfelt sympathies to all those affected.
“Well, the images and news from India is absolutely devastating. And I speak for the entire country, saying our thoughts are with each and every one of those involved. There will be British and Indian families across the land who are absolutely impacted by this. Our thoughts, first and foremost, are with them,” Starmer said.
The UK Prime Minister further informed that an investigative team has been dispatched to probe the incident.
“Obviously, the investigation is going on. We’ve dispatched an investigation team that’s been deployed. The Foreign Secretary is leading on this. And we’ll obviously update as soon as we can,” he noted.
Starmer added that the UK government is closely coordinating with Indian authorities to uncover the facts surrounding the accident.
“But we’re working with the Indian authorities on this to establish the facts. I would say to all families, friends of anybody affected, to please contact the Foreign Office for further information,” he said.
Meanwhile, the UK Royal Family also extended its condolences to the victims’ families. In an official message, King Charles expressed profound sorrow over the tragic incident:
“My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning. Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones. I would like to pay a particular tribute to the heroic efforts of the emergency services and all those providing help and support at this most heartbreaking and traumatic time,” King Charles said.
Condolences have poured in from across the UK in the wake of this tragic aviation disaster.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI-171, was carrying 242 individuals, including 12 crew members, when it crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon.