What Happened in the Ahmedabad Plane Crash? British Envoy Meets PM Modi and Praises First Responders
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Synopsis
In a tragic turn of events, a plane crash in Ahmedabad has led to a significant loss of lives. British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron's meeting with PM Modi emphasizes the collaborative efforts between the UK and India in addressing this disaster. Discover the latest updates and response efforts as families seek answers.
Key Takeaways
- The crash of Air India Flight AI-171 resulted in 241 fatalities.
- One British national of Indian descent survived and is under medical care.
- The UK and India are collaborating on the investigation.
- The Air Accidents Investigation Branch is involved in the inquiry.
- Families of the victims are receiving support from the MEA.
Ahmedabad, June 13 (NationPress) The British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday to highlight the ongoing collaboration between the United Kingdom and India in uncovering the details surrounding the tragic plane crash that occurred in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
This meeting coincided with Prime Minister Modi's visit to the crash site, where he also led a review meeting with key officials to evaluate the ongoing relief and recovery operations.
"I had a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning. We expressed our condolences over this devastating incident and I extended my gratitude for the efforts of the dedicated first responders in Ahmedabad. The UK and India are committed to working together to uncover the facts. We are prepared to assist the families and friends of affected British nationals—please refer to our Travel Advice for updates and reach out to us via our 24/7 consular helpline," Cameron shared on X.
The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, descending into a heavily populated area near B J Medical College.
This accident resulted in the loss of 241 out of 242 individuals on board, with the lone survivor, a British national of Indian descent, currently receiving medical attention.
The victims included 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been actively coordinating with the affected countries, providing comprehensive assistance with identification, repatriation, and communication with grieving families.
Cameron, who arrived in Ahmedabad shortly after the incident, stated that British agencies are collaborating with local authorities and the airline in the aftermath of this tragic event.
"My team and I have visited the crash site and the hospital in Ahmedabad. Our colleagues in the UK and India are tirelessly working to gather information and support the affected British nationals. For updates, please consult our Travel Advice and contact our 24/7 consular helpline," the High Commissioner posted on X.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar is maintaining close communication with his counterparts from the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Canada.
The United Kingdom’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and the United States’ Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) have extended offers of assistance in the investigation being conducted by Indian authorities following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171.
"The UK AAIB has formally offered its assistance to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau of India. Additionally, the UK AAIB will hold expert status in the Indian safety investigation, in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 due to the presence of UK citizens on board the aircraft," stated an AAIB release.
"We are deploying a multidisciplinary investigation team to India to aid the Indian-led investigation. Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this heartbreaking accident," it continued.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised British nationals needing consular assistance or those concerned about friends or family to reach out to the helpline numbers immediately.
"As part of the UK's ongoing support for today's tragic incident, the AAIB will send a team to India to assist the Indian authorities in their investigation. I am receiving regular updates on developments, and my thoughts remain with all involved," Heidi Alexander, the UK’s Secretary of State for Transport, tweeted.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch is responsible for investigating civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents within the UK, its overseas territories, and crown dependencies.
AAIB inspectors come from four primary disciplines: operations, engineering, recorded data, and human factors. For a field investigation, the branch sends a small team of at least two inspectors chosen from these disciplines to the accident site or to the location of the aircraft following a serious incident.
Point of View
It is essential to present a balanced and factual report on the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. The collaboration between the UK and India is notable and highlights the importance of international support in times of crisis. NationPress remains committed to delivering accurate information while honoring the memory of those affected.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Ahmedabad plane crash?
The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, resulting in 241 fatalities out of 242 passengers.
What is the UK's response to the crash?
The UK has offered assistance through the Air Accidents Investigation Branch and is collaborating with Indian authorities to investigate the incident.
Who were the victims of the crash?
The victims included 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian national.
Is there any survivor from the crash?
Yes, there is one survivor, a British national of Indian origin, who is currently receiving medical care.
What is being done for the families affected?
The Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating support for identification, repatriation, and communication with bereaved families.
