UK sets up Ahmedabad help centre for victims' kin

Ahmedabad

The British High Commission in India has opened a help centre at the Ummed Hotel near Ahmedabad airport to support families and friends of British nationals affected by the recent Air India crash. The UK Reception Centre will operate daily from 9 am to 9 pm, starting June 14, offering assistance and guidance during this difficult time.

The tragic crash involved an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flying from Ahmedabad to London, which crashed shortly after takeoff in the Meghaninagar area. Out of 242 people onboard, only one survived. Among the passengers were 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens.

British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday to express condolences and appreciate the efforts of Indian first responders. She stated that the UK and India are working together to determine the facts and that British authorities are ready to help the affected families.

Cameron posted on X, We are standing by to support families and friends of affected British nationals. Please check our travel advice for updates and use the 24/7 consular helpline if needed.

According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft took off at 1:39 pm from Runway 23 but soon issued a mayday call. It lost contact shortly after and crashed outside the airport’s boundary. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the site, and emergency teams responded immediately.

The UK Reception Centre aims to ensure that families of British nationals receive timely support and information as investigations continue.