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In a poignant show of unity and support, British leaders and members of the Indian diaspora came together to honor the lives lost in Thursday’s catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI171. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner went down just minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, claiming 241 lives out of the 242 on board.

Among the victims was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The sole survivor, a UK national, was pulled from the wreckage against all odds. The crash also tragically struck BJ Medical College’s hostel mess, killing 10 individuals on the ground — including four medical students.

Tributes Pour In From UK Leaders

Catherine West, Labour MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet and Minister for the Indo-Pacific at the Foreign Office, reflected the mood of sorrow and resolve.

“It was my solemn privilege to pay tribute to victims of the tragic Air India crash at @HCI_London. My thoughts are with the many families in India and the UK affected by yesterday’s events. The FCDO continues to work all hours to support those who have contacted us for assistance.”

It was my solemn privelege to pay tribute to victims of the tragic Air India crash @HCI_London.

My thoughts are with the many families in India and the UK affected by yesterday’s events. The FCDO continues to work all hours to support those who have contacted us for assistance. pic.twitter.com/9j9CzbRAsl

— Catherine West (@CatherineWest1) June 13, 2025

Outside the High Commission of India in London, members of the Indian community held candlelight vigils, offering prayers and floral tributes in remembrance.

#WATCH | UK | Members of the Indian Community paid homage to those who died in the London-bound Air India plane crash, outside the High Commission in London. pic.twitter.com/txvyEH7nDM

— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2025

Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, former UK Minister for India, expressed deep personal grief.

“We remember all those innocent souls who perished in the tragic crash… The tragedy in the beautiful city of Ahmedabad is truly heartbreaking. With my own heritage rooted in India, I feel the pain deeply. Today, the people of the UK and India stand united in collective grief.”

We remember all those innocent souls who perished in the tragic crash of the Air India flight in #Ahmedabad - flags lowered in respect at our British Parliament today in a mark of respect. We stand with India 🇮🇳 at this time of national mourning. pic.twitter.com/HWi3CP7yMS

— The Lord (Tariq)Ahmad of Wimbledon KCMG (@tariqahmadbt) June 13, 2025

What We Know So Far: The Crash and Its Aftermath

The crash occurred shortly after 1:30 PM local time. According to Air Traffic Control in Ahmedabad, the pilot of Flight AI171 issued a distress 'Mayday' call moments after takeoff. Witnesses described a fiery explosion followed by thick plumes of black smoke rising above the city.

In a devastating turn, the tail end of the Dreamliner struck the hostel kitchen at BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar, amplifying the loss.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site to assess the damage and offer condolences. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that a high-level committee has been formed to investigate the incident thoroughly.

Tata Group and Air India Respond

Air India’s parent company, Tata Group, announced financial relief measures for victims' families. Each bereaved family will receive ₹1 crore, and medical expenses for the injured will be fully covered. Air India MD and CEO Campbell Wilson expressed heartfelt condolences and vowed full cooperation with investigative authorities. “This tragedy has left a deep scar. We will support the families in every way possible.”

Black Box Recovered: Hope for Answers

Investigators have since recovered the aircraft's black box, a critical component in unraveling the mystery behind the crash. It includes two vital pieces of equipment — the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR).