A British passenger, Jamie Ray Meek, posted a final Instagram video just before boarding the doomed Air India Flight AI171. In the widely shared clip, he is seen smiling at Ahmedabad airport, saying goodbye to India and reflecting on his trip. All 242 people on flight were killed in one of the worst airplane crashes in recent history.
“We’re at the airport, just boarding. Goodbye India, 10-hour flight back to London,” Meek says in the video, calm and cheerful. Speaking to someone beside him, he adds, “My biggest takeaway is to not lose your patience with your partner,” and ends with a smile, saying, “Going back happily, happily, happily calm.”
Jamie Ray Meek was one of 53 British nationals on board Air India Flight AI171, which crashed just minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was headed to London Gatwick and took off at 1:38 PM. It was carrying 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the scenes emerging of London-bound Air India plane carrying many British nationals crashing in Ahmedabad were “devastating”.
“The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,” Starmer said in a statement.
“I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time,” he said.
Buckingham Palace said King Charles III is being kept informed and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy took to social media to express his support.
“Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support,” he said.
Lammy said the UK Foreign Office has arranged crisis teams in both Delhi and London.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it was working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved. It issued a contact number for consular assistance.
“We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved,” the FCDO’s travel advisory notes.
“British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000,” it adds.
The plane was due to land at London Gatwick Airport at 1825 local time. PTI AK ZH ZH
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