King Charles and Queen Camilla have issued a moving statement following the devastating crash of Air India Flight 171, which had 242 passengers and crew on board, including 53 British citizens.
The Gatwick-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, on June 12.
King Charles and Queen Camilla issue statement after plane accident
In a joint message posted to the royal family’s official social media platforms, the king expressed deep sorrow.
He described the incident as “appallingly tragic”.
“My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning,” the statement read.
“Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones.”
The monarch, 76, also praised the emergency responders, noting the bravery of rescue teams working amid horrific conditions in Gujarat’s capital.
He said: “I would like to pay a particular tribute to the heroic efforts of the emergency services and all those providing help and support at this most heartbreaking and traumatic time.”
Many fans and followers took to the comments to thank the king for his thoughtful message.
“Thank you, King Charles and Queen Camilla, for your kind words,” one fan wrote.
“Beautiful words,” another echoed.
Air India plane crash
According to aviation authorities, Flight 171 lost contact with air traffic control mere seconds after takeoff.
Data from FlightRadar showed the aircraft only reached an altitude of 625 feet before a distress call cut out.
Moments later, the aircraft crashed into a residential area called Meghaninagar. According to reports, police said it had crashed into a doctors’ hostel.
Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.
Regional police chief G.S. Malik said: “We believe some locals may have died as well. This is a deeply painful day for our community.”
My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning.
Ahmedabad’s police chief told the BBC that 204 bodies had been recovered, while 41 people were injured. It is not known if those 204 were all on the plane, or near where the plane crashed.
Officials are still working to identify the victims. Emergency services, including firefighters, medical personnel, and civic workers, responded within minutes and have continued to search for survivors and provide support to the injured on the ground.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the incident “devastating”. He pledged that the UK government is “ready to assist in any way we can”.
Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles is being kept informed of all developments related to the crash.
