India, plane with 242 passengers crashes into houses. Von der Leyen: “Europe stands by you”

Brussels – A London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 with 242 people on board crashed this morning (12 June) shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, India. The plane crashed in the residential district of Meghani Nagar, hitting a building used as a hostel for doctors. More than 100 bodies were recovered from the rubble, while, according to local authorities, there is at present only one survivor. On board were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian, as well as the crew.

The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen sent a message of condolence and solidarity to the Indian Prime Minister on X: “Heartbreaking news from India. My deepest condolences to the families. Dear Narendra Modi, Europe stands by you and the people of India.” Words of condolence also came from the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, who described it as a “tragic accident” and expressed sympathy with the families of the victims and the people of India.

According to initial reports provided by the Indian Civil Aviation Directorate, the flight emitted an emergency signal immediately after take-off. Communication with the control tower then broke down when the aircraft was at an altitude of about 190 metres. Images released by local media show a trail of thick smoke rising from the ruins of the stricken building, with debris from the plane visible in the rubble. The British government has deployed two crisis teams to assist family members, while the causes of the crash are not yet known. The Indian authorities have opened an investigation with the support of Air India and Boeing, which has declared its willingness to cooperate. Pending technical clarifications, the focus remains on rescue operations, identifying the victims, and providing support to family members.

Heartbreaking news from India with the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad.

My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss.

We share your pain. Dear
@narendramodi

, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of…
https://t.co/jWdKEmGGW1

– Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen)
June 12, 2025