A reception centre for those whose relatives were on the Air India Flight AI171 is being set up at Gatwick Airport, as Ahmedabad’s city police commissioner says there are ‘no survivors’
London’s Gatwick Airport is setting up a reception centre specifically for those whose loved ones were on board the doomed Air India Flight AI171.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, which had been bound for Gatwick, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members when it crashed minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
Before losing signal, the aircraft sent a “mayday” message to those on the ground, signalling that an emergency was taking place.
The Mirror understands that the plane crashed directly into a student dining room at B J Medical College, in a residential area of Ahmedabad, western India, just as medical students were eating their lunch. Students are believed to have sustained multiple injuries, and are now being treated at the nearby Civil Hospital Ahmedabad.
What exactly happened to those aboard the Dreamliner, 11 of whom are reported to have been children, is not yet confirmed, but police say no survivors are expected. For now, relatives continue their agonising wait for news in countries across the world, including the UK.
Gatwick has posted the following statement to social media: “We can confirm flight AI171 that was involved in an accident on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today (12 June) was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25 BST. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft had 242 passengers and crew members on board.
“London Gatwick is liaising closely with Air India, and a reception centre for relatives of those on board is being set up where information and support will be provided. British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000.
“Air India have set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information. Our thoughts are with family and friends of those on board.”
Air India said that 169 of those onboard were Indian nationals, and 53 were British nationals. There was also one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals.
Meanwhile, in light of today’s catastrophe, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has just updated its guidance for Brits journeying to India, stating: “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. British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000.
“The Government of Gujarat State have established an Emergency Centre that can be contacted on: +91 (0) 79 23251900 / +91 (0) 9078405304. Air India has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number. Families in India seeking more information can call +91 (0) 1800 5691 444.”
Ahmedabad’s city police commissioner has said that there doesn’t appear to have been any survivors from the plane, adding that there will also likely be casualties from the area of the crash site, and that “some locals would have also died.”
Commissioner GS Malik told The Associated Press: “It appears there are no survivors in the plane crash,” clarifying, “exact figures on casualties are being ascertained.”
According to local health officials, more than 100 bodies have now been taken to hospitals in the area of Gujarat area.
This is a developing story.
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READ MORE: Air India Flight 171 UPDATES as UK-bound plane crashes with over 240 on board