Fifty-two Britons are confirmed to be among more than 240 people who died after a Gatwick Airport-bound plane crashed in a fireball in India.
Air India confirmed 241 of the 242 people on board the Boeing 787 Dreamliner were killed on Thursday when the aircraft crashed into a medical college shortly after its take-off from Ahmedabad Airport.
British man Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, is the only survivor of the 242 people onboard.
It is one of the deadliest plane crashes in terms of the number of British nationals killed.
Speaking outside the family home in Leicester, his brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, 27, said: “We were just shocked as soon as we heard it.
“I last spoke to him yesterday morning. We’re devastated, just devastated.
“He said I have no idea how I exited the plane.”
Speaking to Sky News, Nayan said his brother video called his father moments after the crash to say he had survived.
He said: “He video called my dad as he crashed and said ‘Oh the plane’s crashed. I don’t know where my brother is. I don’t see any other passengers. I don’t know how I’m alive, how I exited the plane’.”
Dr Dhaval Gameti, who treated Mr Ramesh, said: “He was disorientated, with multiple injuries all over his body. But he seems to be out of danger.”
In a statement on X, the airline said: “Air India confirms that flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on 12 June 2025, was involved in an accident.
“The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew.
“The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities.
“The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital. The passengers comprised 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals and 1 Canadian national.
“The survivor is a British national of Indian origin. Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.
“Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones. A team of caregivers from Air India is now in Ahmedabad to provide additional support.
“Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.”
Three Britons who died in the crash were named by the Gloucester Muslim Community on Facebook as Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa and their four-year-old daughter Sara.
Footage circulating online showed how the crash created a huge explosion, with an enormous ball of fire erupting from the aircraft, followed by plumes of black smoke.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has chaired a Cobra meeting of senior ministers about the crash, the PA news agency understands.
Images taken after the incident showed debris from the plane scattered around the area, including parts of the fuselage, tail and landing gear embedded in the B J Medical College building.
Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, said it would provide 10 million rupees (around £86,000) to the families of those who were killed in the crash.
The company said it would also cover the medical costs of those injured and provide support in the “building up” of the medical college the plane crashed into.
UK officials are being deployed to India to support the investigation, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said.
The King said he was “desperately shocked” and Buckingham Palace said he was being kept updated on the developing situation.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK was in constant contact with Indian authorities.
Campbell Wilson, the chief executive of Air India, expressed his “deep sorrow”, adding: “This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families and loved ones.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has stood up a crisis team in India.
Gatwick said a reception centre was being set up for relatives of passengers on board the Air India flight.
The FCDO said any British nationals requiring consular assistance, or who have concerns about family or friends, should call 020 7008 5000.
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