A Gatwick-bound plane has crashed just moments after takeoff in India.

Among the hundreds of passengers, 53 Britons were on board the Boeing 787 Air India flight from Ahmedabad Airport headed towards the London airport today (June 12).

Videos posted online show a large explosion as the plane came down, followed by huge plumes of black smoke.

It happened in the Meghani Nagar area at 1.38pm local time (9.08am BST).

There were 241 people on board and Air India has confirmed all but one have died.

Earlier, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh was identified as a survivor. The 40-year-old was sat in seat 11A on the flight and is said to have walked away from the crash unaided, with just minor injuries.

The Gravesend Hindu Temple described it as a moment of “profound sorrow” for all involved.

In a statement shared online from Insight UK, an organisation that supports British Hindu & Indian communities in the UK they said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick.

“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”

The Hindu Cultural Society, based in Manor Road, Gravesend, says it will be holding a vigil tonight and prayers all day Sunday for the local community to come together and remember those who lost their lives.

Abnash Sareen, chairperson for the society, says they are trying to process the news and help anyone in the town who needs their assistance.

He said: “It's happened so quickly, and people have just come to terms with it at the moment due to the fact that it's widespread news that has come out of nowhere and unexpectedly. It's devastating, very, very devastating.

“So far we haven't heard anybody come in to say it's a relative or friend of theirs, but even so, that's human lives lost.

“Obviously, if there is somebody out there reading this and they're looking for support, they can come along here.”

Medway Hindu Mandir will also be holding a special prayer gathering at its site in Canterbury Street, Gillingham, from 6pm to 9pm tonight (Thursday).

Its managing committee president, Kulwinder Kaur, said: “Our hearts are heavy as we reflect on this devastating incident.

“We stand united in grief with the families who have lost their loved ones and with all those affected by this tragedy. In these moments of unimaginable pain, we offer our heartfelt prayers for the souls who have departed.

“May they attain eternal peace, and may their families find strength, courage, and comfort in the days ahead.

“We invite all members of the community to join us as we pray together for peace, strength, and healing.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called the situation “heartbreaking beyond words” and Sir Keir Starmer has described it as “devastating”.

A spokesperson for Air India said: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025.

“At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.”

The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch has offered its assistance to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, India and will have expert status in the Indian safety investigation.

No Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft had crashed until the Ahmedabad incident.

The aircraft type, which entered service in 2011, is described by the US manufacturer as “the bestselling passenger widebody of all time” with more than 2,000 orders from 89 customers.

The planes have carried more than one billion passengers on nearly five million flights.

This is a developing news story - refresh regularly for updates