King Charles issues heartfelt message following Air India crash with over 240 onboard; calls it an “appallingly tragic incident”
King Charles has issued a deeply emotional statement in response to the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which occurred shortly after takeoff and involved over 240 passengers. The monarch expressed his shock and extended prayers to those impacted across several nations, emphasizing solidarity and support during the devastating incident.
In a message shared on social media on behalf of himself and Queen Camilla, the King wrote:
“My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning. 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.”
King Charles went on to praise the efforts of emergency personnel on the ground:
“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.”
The message was personally signed by the King using his regnal signature, “Charles R.”
Tragedy Strikes Minutes After Takeoff
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when an Air India flight departing from Ahmedabad in western India crashed just five minutes after takeoff. The aircraft was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport, and according to officials, was carrying more than 240 passengers.
The Director General of the Directorate of Civil Aviation, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, confirmed to the Associated Press that the jet crashed into the residential area of Meghani Nagar at approximately 1:38 p.m. local time.
Ahmedabad Commissioner G.S. Malik gave a grim update shortly after:
“It appears there are no survivors in the plane crash. Exact figures on casualties are being ascertained.”
Emergency responders from local, regional, and national agencies have been on-site, navigating debris and fires in a densely populated area. The crash has sent shockwaves through both India and the United Kingdom, as families await word on the fate of their loved ones.
International Mourning and Support
The tragedy has drawn international attention, with leaders and officials from multiple nations expected to issue statements and coordinate with Indian authorities in the hours ahead. The United Kingdom has set up an emergency hotline for families of British nationals who may have been onboard.
This incident is one of the deadliest involving a commercial flight in recent Indian aviation history and comes at a time of increasing global air traffic following post-pandemic travel resurgence.