Air India plane crash latest: Airline confirms Brit father is the only survivor of disaster and that all 241 passengers and crew are dead - as tributes pour in for the tragic victims
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By TARYN PEDLER and ELENA SALVONI and LETTICE BROMOVSKY and JAMIE BULLEN
Published: | Updated:
An Air India flight bound for London Gatwick crashed in Ahmedabad just minutes after take off with more than 240 people on board.
Flight 171 plummeted to the ground in the densely populated Meghani area of the city, striking a doctors' hostel, after it departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
Incredibly, a British father was filmed walking away from the wreckage shortly after Indian police said there appeared to be no survivors.
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, told local media from hospital: 'Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.'
More than 200 people have so far been confirmed dead in the tragedy, with the death toll expected to rise in the coming hours.
There were 53 British nationals on the flight which was due to arrive in London at around 6.25pm.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the tragedy, one of the worst aviation disasters in Indian history, as 'heartbreaking beyond words', while Sir Keir Starmer and King Charles are receiving regular updates.
Live updates below
Air India crash: A summary of what has happened today
Today we have been reporting live updates from the Air India plane crash as flight 171 plummeted to the ground shortly after it departed Ahmedabad on its way to London Gatwick.
Air India confirmed 242 people were on board the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft including 53 British nationals.
Police initially said it appeared no-one survived the crash but one British passenger miraculously managed to walk away after he jumped from his seat on the doomed plane.
The crash is one of the worst aviation disasters in India's history and emergency services are still at the scene.
Here's what you need to know this afternoon:
Air India flight 171 crashed into a medical college in Meghani shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1.17pm local time.
The airline confirmed the plane was carrying 230 passengers, two pilots and 10 crew members and added 53 of those on board are British nationals.
British man Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, is believed to be the sole survivor of the crash after making an incredible escape
Astonishing footage showed the passenger with visible injuries hobbling away from the scene of the crash. He reportedly sustained injuries to his chest, eyes and feet
Among the victims is celebrity wellness guru Jamie Ray Meek and his husband Fin who were returning from India following a visit to a retreat
Video appears to show the plane struggling to achieve lift before crashing to the ground with the pilot reportedly issuing a Mayday call shortly after taking off
According to preliminary information, the plane reached approximately 825 feet when it suddenly descended
Tata Sons, which owns Air India, said it will offer around £86,000 to the families of each person who died in the crash
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the tragedy is 'heartbreaking beyond words' while King Charles said he was 'desperately shocked'
Read more here:
Rescue operation complete
It's currently approaching 3.30am in Ahmedabad where Indian officials say they have now completed their rescue operation at the site of the plane crash.
'It took hours to make sense of the chaos'
Describing the devastating scene at the crash site, a police official told the BBC it took him 'hours to make sense of the chaos'.
'And it’s not just those on board,' the police official said.
'The building the plane crashed on, the hospital, was full of medical students. Many have died from our understanding.'
He added that all the bodies and their remains have been removed.
Pictured: Health officials take DNA
A health official takes a DNA sample from a family member of one of the victims who died when the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner plane crashed
Pictured: Doctors waiting for DNA samples
Health officials wait to take DNA samples from family members of the victims who died when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner plane bound for London's Gatwick Airport, crashed during take-off from Ahmedabad.
Relatives of the victims have been asked to give DNA samples to help identify the dead.
Air India launches passenger hotline for information
Air India has announced that they have a dedicated passenger hotline for more information on the matter, especially for bereaved family members.
In a post to X, they said: 'Air India has also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.
'Those calling from outside India can call on +91 8062779200.
'Regular updates will continue on Air India’s X handle (https://x.com/airindia) and on http://airindia.com as further information comes to hand.'
Relatives wait as authorities work to identify bodies
As it approcahes 1:30am in India, relatives and officers are seen waiting outside the post-mortem room at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad.
Families and friends of those who’ve lost their lives in the crash wait to claim their bodies, but identification has become a difficult task.
Authorities are trying to use DNA sampling, but the process is taking time.
Inbound flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Ahmedabad cancelled
At least three outbound Air India flights from Ahmedabad were cancelled on Thursday evening and passengers accommodated on alternate flights after an Air India plane crashed in the city.
In bound special flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Ahmedabad were also cancelled.
Watch: Chilling footage of deadly Air India plane crash site
Tribute to This Morning star feared dead in Air India crash
Former This Morning editor Martin Frizell has paid tribute to Fiongal Greenlaw, who is thought to have been on board the fatal Air India flight which crashed earlier today.
Greenlaw, 39, and his husband Jamie Meek, 45, are believed to have been on board the doomed flight. They are said to have been on holiday in India.
The couple co-founded a wellness brand together, which had been promoted on This Morning.
Frizell, 66, who had been the editor of the ITV show until he stepped down earlier this year, paid tribute to Greenlaw on Instagram this afternoon.
He included a photo of Fiongal alongside hosts Ben Shepherd and Cat Deeley in the studio.
Martin wrote in the caption that he had a 'vibrancy' and 'sheer enthusiasm' when he had featured as a guest on the show back in January.
He said: 'So so sad to hear that Fiongal Greenlaw Meek and his partner are reported to be among the passengers and crew killed today on board the Air India flight bound for Gatwick.
'I remember his visit to the studio in January, he was passionate about auras and although I'm a sceptical sort his vibrancy and sheer enthusiasm won folk over.
'And I know for a fact that he hoped to use his appearance on This Morning to build his Wellness brand, he had a great future ahead of him.
'Thoughts are with his family and friends and those of his partner Jamie'.
Watch: Haunting sight of wreckage as night falls after India plane crash
India's PM Modi To Arrive In Ahmedabad At 8:30pm
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to arrive in Ahmedabad at 8:30pm on Friday, top sources told CNN-News18.
Rescue operations completed at crash site
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, as per local reports, rescue operations have now been completed at the Air India flight crash site in Ahmedabad.
Watch: Air India tragedy minute by minute: How horrifying crash unfolded
Breaking:Air India - One survivor from 242 people on flight
Air India has confirmed that only one person on board Flight 171 survived today's crash in Ahmedabad.
It says 229 passengers and 12 crew died, adding that the sole survivor is being treated in hospital.
'The survivor is a British national of Indian origin. Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones.'
Watch: Air India's CEO shares message on the deadly plane crash
MP's constituents in 'extreme distress' over India plane crash
Labour's Warinder Juss MP has a large Indian community in his Wolverhampton West constituency.
He tells Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge 'everybody is still in shock' about today's plane crash and it's 'very difficult to comprehend exactly what happened'.
'We need to find out what caused this accident,' he says, but for now people are simply in 'extreme distress'.
Watch: PM Keir Starmer comments on India plane crash
India launches investigation into crash
A formal investigation has been opened by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau into the plane crash.
The investigation is in line with international protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, India's civil aviation minister said on X.
The government will also have a committee of experts from multiple disciplines to investigate the case.
'The committee will work to strengthen aviation safety and prevent such incidents in future,' Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said.
Pictured: Monks attend prayers at a Hindu temple in Neasden for the victims of the Air India aircraft crash
No visible gatherings at London’s Gatwick Airport
At the time the plane had been due to arrive Thursday, it was not listed on the arrivals board in the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport and it appeared no one was waiting for it.
The news media was kept out of the terminal and extra staff was deployed.
A center for family members who were seeking more information was also set up but it wasn’t clear where it was located or if anyone had shown up there.
'There might be more survivors', police officer says
A senior police officer in Ahmedabad spoke to the media earlier about the only known survivor's miraculous escape.
'He was near the emergency exit and managed to escape by jumping out the emergency door,' said Vidhi Chaudhary.
The police confirmed he is the only known survivor so far.
But Chaudhary added: 'Chances are that there might be more survivors among the injured who are being treated in the hospital.'
Fears of flying at Gatwick after Air India crash
Passengers flying in and out of London's Gatwick airport on Thursday voiced fears and anxiety about their safety after the Air India crash that claimed more than 200 lives.
'It's absolutely terrible. There were so many people inside' the aeroplane, said Olivia Paulin, 27, a researcher who had just checked in for a short flight to Scotland.
'You always think it happens to other people only.'
Gatwick opened a support centre for any family and friends gathering at the airport in search of news of the flight, which had been due to arrive at 6:25pm on Thursday.
British survivor called his dad from runway
A British man who survived the Air India plane crash called his dad from the runway to tell him that he had survived.
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British citizen, is believed to be the sole survivor. He escaped through an emergency exit from seat 11A.
Nayan, his brother, told Sky News that their father was on the phone with Vishwash while he was still on the runway.
'My dad called him,' Nayan said. 'And Vishwash said: "Oh we’re going to take off soon".'
Two minutes later, Vishwash called his dad again - this time to say the plane had crashed and that he had survived.
'He video called my dad as he crashed and said: "Oh the plane’s crashed. I don’t know where my brother is. I don’t see any other passengers. I don’t know how I’m alive - how I exited the plane",' Nayan added.
At least 265 bodies brought to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, say police
Speaking to news agency PTI, police officials have state that at least 265 bodies have been brought to civil hospital in Ahmedabad after the Air India plane crash.
An Air India flight carrying 242 passengers crashed in Ahmedabad shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
Indian minister meets British survivor in hospital
Indian Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah has met people injured in the crash - including the man who seems to be the only survivor from the plane itself, British man Vishwashkumar Ramesh.
Footage from news agencies showed Shah meeting Ramesh in his hospital bed.
Turkey offers condolences to India over tragic crash
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry expressed condolences to India over the deadly Ahmedabad plane crash, saying: 'We are deeply saddened by the plane crash that occurred today in Ahmedabad, India.
'We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident and to the people of India.'
Breaking:One blackbox recovered, search on for second
According to local reports, one of the black boxes of the Air India flight 171 has been recovered.
As per sources via the Hindustan Times, the black box in the rear of the plane has been located by aviation officials.
The search for the second black box, in aircraft's front section, continues.
Foreign secretary chairs COBRA meeting
As per Sky News, David Lammy has tonight chaired a COBRA meeting concerning the plane crash in India.
COBRA meetings are a gathering of senior government officials and other key figures to discuss and respond to national emergencies.
Indian government confirm expert panel will be formed to strengthen aviation safety in India
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced a formal investigation into the Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad.
The probe will be led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and conducted in accordance with international protocols established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
'Following the tragic incident in Ahmedabad, a formal investigation has been initiated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, in line with international protocols set by ICAO,' the minister said in an official statement.
Boeing President and CEDO speaks out following crash
Kelly Ortberg said in a statement: 'Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected in Ahmedabad.
'Ihave spoken with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran to offer our full support, and a Boeing team stands ready to support the investigation led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.'
Boeing said it will defer to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to provide information about Air India Flight 171.
Pictured: Security personnel stand at the Air India crash site
Sir Keir Starmer: Investigation ongoing after 'devastating' crash
'There will be British and Indian families across the land who are absolutely impacted by this,' he said. 'Our thoughts, first and foremost, are with them.'
Starmer confirms that an investigation team has been dispatched to India to help local authorities.
Asked to comment on the British survivor of the crash, the PM said: 'We're establishing the facts and the investigation is ongoing. We're in constant contact with the Indian authorities.'
Canadian citizen killed in crash was a dentist and mother of a one-year-old
The family of Nirali Sureshkumar Patel said she was among the 240 passengers.
Her dental clinic in Mississauga, Ontario, referred Canadian Press to the husband, who said that he was in the process of booking travel to India for himself and their baby.
'That was my wife,' he said. 'I am not in a state to speak right now.'
He declined to provide his full name.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was 'devastated' to learn of the crash and was receiving regular updates on the situation, confirming one Canadian was on the flight.
British MP says some of her constituents were on the flight
A member of the British Parliament said she’s heard that a handful of her constituents were aboard the flight - and raised her recent concerns about Air India’s safety.
Shivani Raja, a Conservative member from Leicester in central England, told the BBC her community has a high number of people from the state of Gujurat and they were 'horrified and devastated waking up to such tragic news.'
Raja said she and relatives have complained recently about delays on the popular flight route.
Only a month ago, a family member had a flight delayed for more than a day because of an engine malfunction. Raja said she had experienced her own delays due to malfunctions on the same flight.
She said she planned to write to Indian authorities, the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority and Air India regarding its safety.
'I’m not trying to add to any speculation here,' she said. 'There has to be a reason why this plane has crashed right? And I’m determined to find out the cause of that.'
Survivor of Air India crash jumped out of emergency exit, police say
Ramesh Viswashkumar, the only known survivor out of the 242 people onboard an Air India plane, had been sitting near an emergency exit of the London-bound flight and managed to jump out, police said.
Speaking from his hospital bed, the 40-year-old told Indian media that he was a British national and was travelling to Britain with his brother after visiting family in India.
'When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital,' Viswashkumar told the Hindustan Times.
'He was near the emergency exit and managed to escape by jumping out the emergency door,' said Vidhi Chaudhary, a senior police officer in Ahmedabad, speaking about Viswashkumar.
UN Chief Antonio Guterres 'deeply saddened' by tragic crash
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, said: 'I mentioned that the Secretary-General had said that he was deeply saddened by the news of this crash…
'We believe that there have been something in the neighbourhood of more than 200 deaths because of this.
'So, our hearts go out to the people of India and to the government of India as they seek to deal with this tragedy.'
People light candles for victims of crash
Images are emerging showing people taking part in prayer ceremonies in the cities of Patna and Siliguri.
They are lighting candles for the victims of today's crash in Ahmedabad.
Air India disaster deals heavy blow to 'world class airline' ambition
After taking the carrier over from the government in 2022, the Tata Group unveiled ambitious plans to reverse years of underinvestment in an ageing and outdated fleet and create a 'world class airline', as CEO Campbell Wilson has repeatedly put it, on a par with rivals like Emirates.
'Newer aircraft and better maintenance should be the hallmark for Air India to survive. Proper maintenance is what they should be looking into, because Air India has had a chequered past,' said Vibhuti Deora, a former legal expert at India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
Only a few days ago, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told an international gathering of hundreds of airline executives in New Delhi that the country's aviation industry stood at a crucial point of takeoff.
The plane that crashed on Thursday was 11 years old, according to Flightradar24.
Rival Indian airlines like IndiGo operate newer planes.
Air India, which is part-owned by Singapore Airlines, has placed orders for 570 new jets in recent years and is in talks for dozens more.
It has even aggressively expanded its international flight network in the face of the fury of its passengers, who often take to social media to show soiled seats, broken arm rests, non-operational entertainment systems and dirty cabin areas.
Before it can make any further progress on these problems, however, it faces the difficult task of investigating one of India's worst aviation disasters ever.
'This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India,' CEO Wilson said in a video message.
'Investigations will take time.'
'Most of the bodies have been charred beyond recognition' - State Police officer
Vidhi Chaudhary, a top state police officer in Ahmedabad city, said the dead include medical students who were in a college hostel when the plane hit the building.
'Most of the bodies have been charred beyond recognition,' she said.
Video of the crash showed a large fireball, and the plane would have been loaded with fuel for the long flight to London.
President Donald Trump speaks on the Air India crash and offers aid
'The plane crash was terrible. I've already told them, anything we can do, it's a big country, a strong country, they'll handle it I'm sure but I let them kow that anythign we can do, we will be over there immediately,' he said.
'It was a horrific crash, looks like most are gone, actually maybe have a couple survivors, but that was a horrible crash, nobody has any idea what it might be.
'I gave them a couple oof pointers, I said... we saw the plane like it was flying pretty well, it looked like there was an explosion, and just maybe looks like the engine lost power, but boy that is a terrible crash, it's one of the worst in aviation history'.
Temperature of burning fuel was so high that there was no chance to save anyone, says Amit Shah
Union home minister Amit Shah said, as quoted by ANI: 'The plane carried almost 1,25,000 litres of fuel, and due to the high temperature, there was no chance of saving anyone.'
Pictured: People and officers gather at the site of the plane crash in Ahmedabad
Air India Boeing aircraft had been serviced in March
According to local reports, the Boeing aircraft had undergone maintenance at Air India Engineering Services in March.
Air India had signed a contrat with Turkish Technic in 2022 for technical support, and the agreement is reportedly still active.
Names of British passengers on board emerging
As per the BBC, Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee and their daughter, who lived in Gloucester, were on board the flight.
A statement from the Gloucester Muslim Society, which names the three victims, says: 'Today, we are profoundly heartbroken by the devastating loss of life in the catastrophic crash of Flight AI171, traveling from Ahmedabad to London'.
Ahmedabad hospital has received 186 bodies
Ahmedabad hospital has received 186 bodies as well as the lone survivor of the Air India crash, a docto has revealed
Union Home Minister says daeath toll will be confirmed after DNA analysis
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the death toll in the Ahmedabad plane crash would be announced officially only after DNA analysis and identification by kin.
He also said he has met with the lone survivor of the devastating crash and stated that the entire nation stands in solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives.
Position of wing flaps may have played role in crash
Aviation experts have said the position of the plane's wing flaps may have played a role in the crash.
Footage of the crash shows the plane descending, followed by a large explosion when it smashed into a building.
'When I’m looking at this, the undercarriage is still down but the flaps have been retracted,' aviation analyst Geoffrey Thomas told the BBC.
He said it was very unusual for the aircraft's flaps to remain in line with the wing so soon after take-off.
'The undercarriage is normally retracted within 10-15 seconds, and the flaps are then retracted over a period of 10-15 minutes,' he explained.
Aviation safety consultant John M Cox agreed that images of the flight suggested this was one area of inquiry.
'The image shows the airplane with the nose rising and it continuing to sink,' he said. 'That says that the airplane is not making enough lift.
'It's hard to tell but from looking at the aircraft from behind - it doesn't look like that the trailing edge flaps are in the position I would have expected them to be,' he added.
'But I'm very cautious that the image quality is not good enough to make that a conclusion. It's just an area where I know that they're going to look.'
MP reveals 'handful' of Leicester residents on flight
The MP for Leicester East has said she understands 'a handful of Leicester residents' were onboard the Ahmedabad to London flight that crashed.
Shivani Raja told BBC News that her community, which has a high population of British-Gujaratis, were 'all really horrified and devastated waking up to such tragic news'.
So far my understanding is that there are a handful of Leicester residents who were on board that flight but I am still awaiting for official reports on that.
The Conservative MP said she, her family and her constituents have experienced delays on the 'very popular flight route' and that she will be writing to the Indian authorities, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Air India regarding its safety.
A month ago one of her family members had their flight 'delayed for over 24 hours due to an engine malfunction, she added.
Pictured: The pilots and crew of ill-fated Air India flight 171
These are the first pictures and names of the pilots and cabin crew of the ill-fated Air India plane that crashed just moments after take-off.
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of experience, was today named as the pilot of the doomed Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
First Officer Clive Kunder, from Mumbai, was also onboard. He had logged 1,100 of flying hours and completed his training at the Florida-based Paris Air Flight School, according to local media.
Cabin crew members Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam and Lamnunthem Singson were also revealed to have been on the Gatwick-bound Air India Flight 171.
Senior members Shradha Dhavan and Aparna Mahadik, along with Saineeta Chakravarti, Deepak Pathak, Maithili Patil, Irfan Shaikh, Roshni Songhare Rajendra, and Manisha Thapa were also named among the crew.
Read more here:
How could one of the world's most advanced passenger jets suffer a crash just minutes after take-off?
Watch MailOnline's explainer video here:
Breaking:More than 290 people killed, police say
According to Reuters news agency, the number of people killed in the plane crash has risen to more than 290, according to a police officer.
There were 242 people on board the flight.
UK government warns public to prepare for 'significant loss of British lives'
Downing Street has warned the public to prepare for a significant loss of British lives.
Asked whether the public should prepare for a significant loss of life, a No10 spokesman said: 'Yes.'
'As the PM said this morning, the scenes emerging of the London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city at Ahmedabad are devastating.
'Clearly this is a deeply distressing time for families. The situation is still unfolding.'
The spokesman would not confirm reports that a British national had survived the crash.
Breaking:Former Gujarat chief minister killed in crash
Gujarat's former chief minister, Vijay Rupani, has been killed in the plane crash, India's civil aviation minister has told reporters.
Rupani, 68, served as the chief minister of the western Indian state in 2016-21.
He was a member of the governing BJP party.
Rishi Sunak says he is 'deeply shocked' by crash
Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he and his wife Askhata Murty are 'deeply shocked and distressed' by the news of the crash.
Sunak, who is of Indian descent, became the UK's first Hindu prime minister in 2022 and remained premier until he lost last year's general election. Murty is Indian.
"There is a unique bond between our two nati'ns and our thoughts and prayers go out to the British and Indian families who have lost loved ones today,' Sunak said on X.
Watch: CCTV show Air India jet take off and then fall from sky
Air India organising relief flights for families
Air India says it is organising two relief flights to Ahmedabad for families of the passengers involved in the plane crash and airline staff.
The airline is sending return flights from Delhi and Mumbai that will arrive at 23:00 local time (18:00 BST) and depart shortly after 01:00 local time on Friday (20:00 BST on Thursday) .
US transport safety investigators sent to India
Investigators with the US National Transportation Safety Board will travel to assist Indian officials probing the Air India crash, the agency announced.
'The NTSB will be leading a team of US investigators travelling to India to assist... with (the) investigation into the crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad, India,' the agency said on X.
It added that under international protocols, 'all information on the investigation will be provided by the Government of India.'
Woman says she missed doomed flight 'by 10 minutes'
A woman who was due to fly back to the UK on doomed Air India flight 171 has said she missed the departure by 10 minutes.
'I am completely devastated after hearing about the loss [of lives],' she told the Republic news outlet.
My body is literally shivering. I am not able to talk.'
UK officials deployed to India
UK officials are being deployed to India to support the investigation into the Ahmedabad plane crash.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) says it has 'formally offered its assistance' to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau in India
We are deploying a multidisciplinary investigation team to India to support the Indian-led investigation. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic accident.
Pictured: A girl weeps over the death of her brother
Air India boss expresses his 'deep sorrow' at crash
Campbell Wilson, the boss of Air India, has expressed his 'deep sorrow' following the plane crash in Ahmedabad.
Breaking:British man SURVIVES plane crash and is filmed walking away from site
Police said they had found a lone survivor who had been sitting in seat 11A when Flight 171 crashed shortly after takeoff in India this morning.
Astonishing footage showed the man walking away from the scene with some visible injuries to his face.
Read the full story here:
British couple feared to have been on doomed Air India flight
British celebrity wellness guru Jamie Meek and his husband posted a haunting video of themselves at the airport waiting to board the doomed Gatwick-bound Air India flight that crashed moments after it took off.
They are feared to be among the 242 vivctims who perished when the flight crashed just after takeoff from Ahmedabad bound for Gatwick.
Mr Meek, 45, and husband Fiongal Greenlaw, 39, who live in London, run a wellness and healthy lifestyle company called the Wellness Foundry, and had been in India on holiday.
They had appeared on ITV's This Morning to promote their wellness brand.
In a chilling final social media video posted from Ahmedabad airport as they waited to board their doomed flight the couple were dressed in flowery shirts looking happy at the end of their break.
Read more here:
How the Air India passenger plane crash unfolded
Air India owners offer families of dead compensation
Tata Sons, which owns Air India, will offer around £86,000 to the families of each person who died in the Ahmedabad plane crash, the company said.
Breaking:Two survivors found, police say
Two passengers on Air India flight 171 have been found, according to police.
One was at the crash site and another was receiving treatment in hospital, according to reports.
Pope 'deeply saddened' by crash and shares 'heartfelt condolences'
Pope Leo XIV expressed his 'heartfelt condolences' Thursday to those who have lost loved ones in an air crash in India and prayers for those recovering the bodies of victims.
'Deeply saddened by the tragedy involving an Air India aircraft near Ahmedabad, his Holiness Pope Leo XIV sends his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives,' the Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said in a telegram.
Leo also sent his 'assurance of prayers for all involved in the recovery efforts', Parolin said.
Relatives asked to give DNA samples
Reuters have reported brief remarks from state health secretary Dhananjay Dwivedi.
He has said relatives have been asked to give DNA samples to identify the dead.
The bodies that have been recovered include those on the plane and those in the area at the time of impact.
Breaking:Police chief says 204 bodies recovered
Ahmedabad's police chief has told the BBC that 204 bodies have been recovered from the crash site.
It's not known if all 204 were on the plane, or if some were on the ground when the plane crashed.
Pictured: Parts of the plane scattered on the ground
More than 200 confirmed dead, police say
More than 200 people have died in the Air India plane crash, Kanan Desai, a top city police officer, told Reuters.
The plane crashed into a doctor's college residential quarters in Ahmedabad, where approximately 200 people are said to have been living.
Police earlier told reporters that all 242 people on board the plane had died, with more casualities expected on the ground.
At least 50 medical students taken to hospital
India’s Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has said that around 50 to 60 medical students after the Air India flight crashed into a doctors' hostel.
The association says five students are missing, and at least two are in the intensive care unit.
Pictured: Suitcases are seen among the debris at the crash site
King and Queen 'desperately shocked' by Air India crash
King Charles has penned a message expressing his shock following the plane crash.
Boeing says it stands ready to support Air India
Boeing said in a statement:
We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them.
Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected.
Air India cancels Gatwick flight tonight
An Air India flight from Gatwick Airport to Goa in India due to take off at 8.30pm on Thursday has been cancelled.
This comes amid the crash of a London-bound Air India flight with 242 passengers on board this morning.
No reason has been provided by Air India yet for the cancellation of the later flight from Gatwick.
The decision means that no Air India flights will arrive or depart from London Gatwick on Thursday.
Gatwick sets up reception centre for Air India passenger relatives
Media gathers gather outside the North terminal following the crash
Gatwick said a reception centre was being set up for relatives of passengers on board the doomed Air India flight.
In a statement posted on social media, it said:
We can confirm flight AI171 that was involved in an accident on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today (12 June) was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25 BST.
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.
Air India have set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information. Our thoughts are with family and friends of those on board.
'Many bodies lying on the ground,' eyewitness says
An eyewitness has told how there were 'many bodies lying on the ground' in the aftermath of the crash.
The man, who was not named, told reporters: 'I was sitting at home, there was a loud noise, it felt like an earthquake.
'I came out and saw smoke, I didn't realise it was a plane crash, then I came here and I found out and I saw the crashed plane - there were many bodies lying on the ground.'
He wore a surgical mask as he spoke to the BBC at the site, with smoke seen billowing around him.
Pictured: Rescuers work at the crash site as police say there are 'casualties on the ground'
Breaking:Police say there 'appear to be no survivors'
Ahmedabad police chief has said it appears no-one has survived the crash.
'It appears there are no survivors in the plane crash,' Commissioner G.S. Malik told reporters.
He added that with the plane crashing in a residential area with offices, 'some locals would have also died.'
'Exact figures on casualties are being ascertained,' he said.
Pictures: New pictures show wreckage of doomed Air India flight 171
New photographs show the wreckage of Air India flight 171 after it crashed into a doctors' hostel in Meghani shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport.
Plane parts are among the debris as rescuers scramble to find the 242 people on board the plane with many said to be killed.
Watch: Moment airport passengers watched Air India plane crash
Footage has emerged of the moment passengers at Ahmedabad airport saw Air India flight 171 crash just before they themselves were about to board flights.
Video posted by Asian News International shows travellers walking to their gates before they catch sight of smoke billowing near the airport.
Another eyewitness, who was at the airport at the time of the crash, told the Times of India: 'As I was going to board an Indigo flight, I saw thick smoke coming out in the distance.
'Soon after boarding the aircraft, an announcement for a flight delay was made. Later, we got to know through the media that a flight had crashed.'
Ahmedabad airport to resume flights
India's aviation ministry has confirmed flights will resume from Ahmedabad airport.
All planes had been grounded and operations temporarily suspended in the aftermath of the Air India 171 crash.
Ahmedabad airport has set up an assistance area for families of those who were travelling to London Gatwick.
Breaking:More than 100 bodies brought to hospital, police say
More than 100 bodies were brought to a hospital in India's Ahmedabad after the Air India plane crash, local police have said.
Local media is reporting that at least 91 people have died in the crash after their bodies were brought into hospitals across Gujarat state.
Authorities are yet to confirm the exact number of fatalities but the country's health minister has said there are 'many' that have been killed.
Data suggests unusual takeoff pattern before tragedy, expert reveals
Preliminary flight tracking data from the Boeing 787-8 reveals a concerning takeoff pattern in the moments before the aircraft crashed, according to an aviation expert.
Data logs appear to show that the jet stayed on the ground or taxiing slowly for more than four minutes after it first appeared on public trackers.
It increased sharply in speed to 174 knots at 08.08 local time, with an altitude of 625 feet - far below standard for a commercial aircraft several minutes into departure.
No further altitude gains were recorded.
Lt Col John R Davidson, a former US Air Force pilot commented on the data: 'From the data available, AIC171 appears to have reached takeoff speed - but not altitude.
'To be at 625 feet at over 170 knots more than four minutes after rolling out is highly irregular. This suggests either a very late rotation or a stall shortly after takeoff.
'There are a number of possible scenarios: thrust or engine performance issues, excessive aircraft weight, poor trim or flap configuration, or a more critical failure that affected the aircraft’s ability to climb. Weather, windshear or even bird strike can't be ruled out either at this early stage.
'The low-altitude, high-speed reading at the final moment might indicate a steep nose-down trajectory or a stall event immediately following takeoff.
'This is consistent with accidents like Spanair Flight 5022 and Flydubai Flight 981, where mechanical or environmental factors combined with compromised lift performance led to loss of control during or just after liftoff.'
But he cautioned: 'Flight data alone isn’t enough to determine fault — but it tells us this aircraft never truly made it airborne in a meaningful way. Whatever happened, it happened fast, and right at the most critical phase of flight.'
Picture: Plane embedded in doctors' hostel after crash
This image shows the back of the Air India plane as it became embedded in a building following the crash in Ahmedabad.
Released by the Central Industrial Security Force, the plane's tail can be seen after it landed into a doctors' hostel which has also been described as a medical college in the Meghani area.
Foreign Office deploys crisis team in London and Delhi
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has stood up a crisis team in India and the UK, David Lammy has said.
The Foreign Secretary told the Commons:
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 stood up a crisis team in both Delhi and in London.
'My son jumped from the window when the plane hit his hostel,' mother reveals
A woman has told Indian media that her son jumped from a second-floor window when the plane crashed into his hostel - and miraculously survived.
The building is reported to have been full of doctors from a nearby medical centre when Air India flight 171 smashed into it.
'My son had gone to the hostel during lunch break, and the plane crashed there. My son is safe, and I have spoken to him. He jumped from the second floor, so he suffered some injuries,' the woman told India's Ani news agency.
Plane crashed into a hostel housing doctors, police say
'The building on which it has crashed is a doctors' hostel... we have cleared almost 70% to 80% of the area and will clear the rest soon,' a senior police officer told reporters at the scene.
Local media reports that the building was full of doctors from a nearby medical centre eating their lunch at the time of the crash.
Pictures show food still on the canteen tables in the aftermath.
Narendra Modi: Crash is a tragedy and 'heartbreaking beyond words'
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi expressed shock and sadness over the India Airlines crash in a statement on X.
Video: Rescue efforts underway after horror plane crash
*warning - scenes may be distressing*
We can now show yoiu footage from the rescue operation in Ahmedabad following the plane crash of flight 171.
'Dead bodies were scattered all over'
An eyewitness who lives close to the crash scene has told Indian media how he saw 'dead bodies and debris scattered all over' following the plane crash.
The man, who was interviewed just yards from the scene where the plane plummeted into a medical college, said he came to investigate after he heard a 'massive sound' at home.
He told the Press Trust of India news agency:
When we went out to see what had happened, there was a layer of thick smoke in the air. When we came here, dead bodies and debris from the crashed aircraft were scattered all over.
Breaking:At least 30 bodies recovered from crash site, rescue workers say
At least 30 bodies have been recovered from a building from a building at the site of a plane crash in India's western city of Ahmedabad, rescue personnel at the site said.
More people were trapped inside, the rescue workers said.
Plane was being flown by experienced pilot
An experienced pilot was flying Air India flight 171 when it crashed, it has emerged.
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain, had 8,200 hours of flying experience.
First Officer Clive Kundar, who was assisting the captain, had 1,100 hours of flight experience.
The two men were among 12 crewmembers on board at the time of the crash.
Air India switches profile picture to black circle
Air India has changed its profile picture to a black circle across its social media platforms following the crash this morning.
The airline has temporarily switched from its usual red and white logo in an apparent mark of respect for passengers on board flight 171.
Pictures: Crowds gather at crash scene as rescuers scramble to find passengers
New photographs show crowds starting to build at the crash scene in Ahmedabad as rescuers scramble to find passengers on the crashed Air India flight.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft crashed into a medical colleage before bursting into flames in the Meghani area of the city.
Indian health minister confirms 'many killed' in plane crash
India's health minister has confirmed 'many people' have been killed in the plane crash in the first official confirmation of fatalities.
Jagat Prakash Nadda said he wanted to provide 'all possible help' to families affected by the tragedy which is reported to the worst aviation disaster in the nation's history.
In a statement on X, he said:
The news of many people getting killed in a plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat is extremely sad. I appeal to all BJP workers to get involved in relief and rescue work and provide all possible help to the affected families. I pray to God to give strength to the bereaved families to bear the unbearable pain and to provide speedy recovery to the injured.
King to receive updates on Air India crash
The King is being kept updated on the developing situation after a Gatwick-bound Air India plane crashed, Buckingham Palace said.
Air India crash may be result of multiple bird hits, experts claim
A former pilot has claimed multiple bird hits may have caused Air India flight 171 to crash with both engines losing power.
Reacting to the crash near Ahmedabad airport, captain Saurabh Bhatnagar, an ex-pilot, told NDTV:
It looks, prima facie, like a case of multiple bird hits wherein both the engines have lost power. The take-off was perfect and just, I believe, short of taking the gear up, the aircraft started descending, which can happen only in case the engine loses power or the aircraft stops developing lift. Obviously, the investigation will reveal the exact reason.
Authorities are yet to determine the official cause of the crash.
Gujurat chief minister - Injured passengers to be treated on war footing
Bhupendra Patel, Gujurat's chief minister, has told how a 'war footing' has been set up to help Air India passengers who will receive priority treatment at the state's hospitals.
In a statement on X, Mr Patel wrote:
I am deeply saddened by the accident of the Air India passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. I have instructed the officials to take immediate rescue and relief operations in the accident and to make arrangements for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing. I have also instructed to arrange a green corridor to take the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all the treatment arrangements in the hospital on priority.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is understood to have sent his top officials to Ahmedabad to help with the rescue operation.
It is not yet known if there are any survivors following the crash.
Pictured: Charred and smoking debris is seen at the site of the crash
Plane made mayday call and then fell silent
Air traffic control at Ahmedabad airport said the aircraft departed at 1.39pm local time (9.09am BST).
Moments later, the passenger jet sent out a 'mayday' call, signalling an emergency.
No response followed the signal, according to officials.
Pictured: Firefighters tackle smoke and flames at crash scene
New photographs show Indian firefighters working at the scene of the plane crash after buildings were damaged in the Meghani area of Ahmedabad.
Keir Starmer: Crash appears 'devastating' and government is monitoring the situation
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has shared a statement on the Air India plane crash.
The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.
The PM added that he is being kept up to date with the situation.
Air India confirm 11 children were on board
Air India has released more information regarding the nationalities of passengers.
The airline said 169 passengers are Indian nationals, 53 are British, one is Canadian and seven are Portuguese.
The Reuters news agency reported that 217 adults and 11 children were on board the flight.
The flight was carrying a total of 242 people onboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Ahmedabad Airport closed after crash
A spokesperson for Ahmedabad Airport confirmed the plane crashed 'shortly after takeoff, outside the airport.'
In a statement it added: 'As a result, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice.
'Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport.
'We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation. Further updates will be provided as soon as available.'
Pictures show moment plane descended and crashed into buildings seconds after take off
UK government says it is working with local authorities and will support those impacted
Britain is working with Indian authorities to urgently establish the facts around the Air India plane crash and to provide support to those involved, the foreign office said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Commons Leader Lucy Powell said the UK Government will provide 'all the support that it can' to those on the flight.
Air India chairman offers condolences to families affected in the tragedy
Air India's Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran shared a heartfelt statement that read: 'With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.
'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.
'We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.'
Breaking:Air India confirm 53 British nationals on board
Fifty-three British nationals were on board an Air India flight bound for Gatwick airport which crashed after take-off in Ahmedabad, Air India said.
The flight manifest included 169 Indians, 53 Britons, one Canadian and seven Portuguese nationals, according to officials.
The flight was due to land at London Gatwick at 18.25 tonight, the airport confirmed in a statement.
Watch: Horrifying moment Air India plane crashes and bursts into flames in Ahmedabad
Incident marks first crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft
Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8, crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar five minutes after taking off.
The 787 Dreamliner is a widebody, twin-engine plane. This is the first crash ever of a Boeing 787 aircraft, according to the Aviation Safety Network database.
The aircraft was introduced in 2009 and more than 1,000 have been delivered to dozens of airlines, according to the flightradar24 website.
Heavy fuel load has complicated rescue operation
Although officials are yet to release a statement on the crash.
Experts have suggested the amount of fuel used on an international route has worsened the fire following the crash impact, making it a more complicated rescue operation, the Times of India is reporting.
The flight crashed just minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad this afternoon.
Flight was carrying 230 passengers
The Times of India is reporting 242 people were on board the Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane including 230 passengers, two pilots and 10 cabin crew members.
Multiple fire engines and ambulances have been dispatched to the crash scene in the Meghani area of Ahmedabad.
According to the newspaper, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will open a formal investigation along with a possible technical team from Boeing.
Flight tracker shows last signal from crashed aircraft
Flight tracker website Flightradar24 shared a screenshot showing the last signal from FlightAI171 seconds after the plane took off.
The flight reportedly reached an altitude of just 625 feet before it began to descend, according to the flight tracking service.
Pictures show debris and smoke rising from the crash site
Shocking images shared to social media showed a huge trail of smoke rising from the crash site near the international airport this morning.
Sections of the plane's fuselage and tail were also seen protruding from a building.
Aviation expert reacts to Air India plane crash
Aviation expert Julian Bray told MailOnline: 'It's a Boeing Dreamliner that has gone down - not certain whether they've managed to get anybody off the plane.
'If it has indeed crash landed and they can deploy the chutes out then they should be able to get people off in 90 seconds.
'I am aware there are fire appliances in attendance - this is a major incident.
'It is very disappointing that it is a Dreamliner as it is a state-of-the-art Boeing.
'We cannot rule out security issues,' he said, before advising caution that he can only speculate at this time.
Breaking:Horror as Gatwick-bound Air India jet with 242 on board crashes just seconds after take-off
Here is MailOnline's breaking news story on the Air India crash
by David Averre
An Air India flight bound for London Gatwick carrying 242 passengers and crew has crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport in the northwestern Indian state of Gujarat.
Air India flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, careened back to earth in the Meghani area of the city just minutes after leaving the runway.
Shocking images shared to social media showed a huge trail of smoke emanating from the crash site near the international airport this morning.
Read more here:
Air India confirms UK-bound flight 'was involved in an incident'
Air India plane bound for London crashes in Ahmedabad
Hello and welcome to MailOnline's live coverage as an Air India flight heading to London crashes in Ahmedabad.
Early reports state 242 people were on board the plane which was heading to London Gatwick.
Stick with us as we bring you live updates on this breaking story.
