UK sends investigation team to India after deadly plane crash: PM Starmer

LONDON - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that an investigation team has been dispatched to India following the deadly crash of Air India flight AI171.

In a video posted on social media platform X, Starmer said Foreign Secretary David Lammy is leading Britain's response and that the government is working with Indian authorities to establish the facts.

Describing the reports and images from the crash as "absolutely devastating," Starmer assured that updates would be provided as soon as possible.

Local media reported that Starmer is expected to chair a Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR) meeting Thursday evening to address the tragedy, a step typically taken during major national or international emergencies.

Air India has confirmed that flight AI171, which crashed after departing from Ahmedabad Airport, was carrying 242 people. Among the passengers were 53 British nationals, 169 Indian nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. One British national has been confirmed as a survivor.