After the distressing news that a London-bound plane crashed with more than 230 passengers and 50 Brits on board, many Londoners have been affected by the tragic scenes in India.
The Air India flight destined for Gatwick Airport crashed into a densely packed area of Ahmedabad shortly after taking off this morning. After leaving the tarmac the plane rose to 425ft before descending into homes just a few miles away from the airport with a huge explosion being seen across the city on impact.
Not much is known about the victims of the crash, but reports have indicated that 53 Brits, 169 Indians, one Canadian and seven Portuguese nationals were on board.
Currently, local police have confirmed only one survivor, a British national who is in hospital recovering from his injuries. As more news of the victims comes out British and Indian authorities have set up support for those worried that their friends and families were involved.
Air India’s chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran announced that a support team and “emergency centre” have been activated for families seeking more information.
Gatwick Airport has created a reception centre inside the airport for those relatives worried, posting on social media the airport said: “London Gatwick is liaising closely with Air India and a reception centre for relatives of those on board is being set up where information and support will be provided. British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000.”
LIVE UPDATES: Air India plane crash live as ‘no survivors’ on Gatwick flight with London ‘crisis team’ set up
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has also set up a crisis team both in London and India for the families of those affected. Speaking in the Commons earlier today Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “My thoughts and I’m sure those of the entire House are with those who’ve been affected by the tragic plane crash in India this morning.
“We know that British nationals were on board and I can confirm that the FCDO is working urgently with local authorities to support British nationals and their families, and has set up a crisis team in both Delhi and London.”
In addition to the in-person help, Air India has set up two hotline numbers, posting on X at 1pm the airline added: “In addition to the dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444, we have added another hotline number for foreign nationals +91 8062779200.”
In addition the airline has said it is organising two relief flights from Delhi and Mumbai for relatives of the victims, the planes are due to depart at around 1am local time on Friday. Families can contact the above hotline if they want to travel.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also offered his thoughts, he shared: “The news from India is deeply distressing. My thoughts are with the family & friends of those on board the Air India flight—I can only imagine how devastating this must be. I’m in close contact with the Government & Indian High Commission.”
Anyone struggling with the scenes from the crash and would like help or to talk to someone call the Samaritans on 116 123 and see the support available below.
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.
