Air India plane crash: Brits among dead, UK sends team to assist with crash probe

Britain is sending a team of experts to India to support the investigation into the Ahmedabad plane crash. The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) 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," UK AAIB said. "Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic accident". UK AAIB will have expert status in the Indian safety investigation. This is in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 as 53 British citizens were on board the aircraft.

London Gatwick airport said it was liaising with Air India and a reception centre for relatives of those on board had been set up where information & support was being provided.

India High Commission in London has set up a hotline to provide emergency visas for relatives of passengers on board and cancelled an event to welcome Indian women's hockey team on Thursday.

King Charles said he and Queen Camilla had been desperately shocked by the terrible events. "Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly incident across so many nations," Charles said.

UK PM Keir Starmer said: "Scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying British nationals crashing in India are devastating. My thoughts are with passengers and their families at this distressing time."