Tributes have been paid to a much-loved former headmistress killed in the Air India tragedy.

Panna Nagar, who was in charge at Northfleet Nursery School in Gravesend for more than 15 years, tragically lost her life on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, India, yesterday (Thursday).

She had been returning home from a trip to India.

The plane, bound for Gatwick, was carrying 242 people including 53 British nationals - making it the worst air disaster involving UK passengers in four decades.

In a heartfelt tribute, Northfleet Nursery School described Ms Nagar as “a remarkable leader, mentor and friend” who was “more than just an educator – she was a guiding light, an inspiration, and a champion for every child and staff member lucky enough to walk through her doors.”

Ms Nagar served as head teacher at the school, which takes children aged two to five, from 2005 until her retirement in 2020, leaving behind what colleagues describe as a “legacy of kindness, belief, and tireless dedication to early years education”.

“She believed in every student’s potential, empowering them to dream big and strive for excellence,” the nursery school’s statement continued.

“For the staff, Ms Nagar’s support was steadfast, ensuring that everyone felt valued, heard and motivated.”

The statement ended with a message of deep appreciation, saying: “Though Ms Nagar may no longer be with us, her legacy will continue to shine brightly in every success story, every moment of kindness, and every step forward we take.

“You have lived, loved and left a lasting legacy.

“You will always be with us in shaping the little lives that flow through Northfleet Nursery School.”

News of her death comes as Kent mourns two other passengers on board the ill-fated flight.

Ramsgate couple Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek – co-founders of the Wellness Foundry – had shared joyful video updates just hours before take-off from their hotel in India, describing their trip as “magical” and “mind-blowing.”

In their final post from the airport, they smiled and waved, saying simply: “Goodbye India.”

They were set to appear at Ramsgate Pride this weekend.

Organisers have said a minute’s silence will be held in their honour, along with music to celebrate their lives.

The crash, which occurred just seconds after take-off, has sent shockwaves across the globe.

Authorities confirmed that a distress call was made by the pilot moments before the plane went down, stating: “Mayday… no thrust, losing power, unable to lift.”

The aircraft struck a building housing accommodation for medical staff at the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College and Civil Hospital.

It then erupted into a fireball visible for miles.

Officials have yet to confirm how many people on the ground were killed, but one passenger, 40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh from Leicester, survived.

Speaking from the hospital, he said: “I still cannot believe how I made it out alive. At first, I thought I was going to die.”

The plane’s black box has now been recovered as investigators try to determine what caused the deadly crash.

The Foreign Office is yet to officially confirm the names of the victims.