Indian High Commission in London holds commemorative ceremony for lives lost in Air India AI171 crash in Ahmedabad

ANI June 17, 2025 270 views

The Indian High Commission in London held a solemn ceremony to honor the victims of the Air India AI171 crash. Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami and UK Deputy PM Angela Rayner joined grieving families and officials in remembrance. UK MP Bob Blackman participated in prayers with the Yogi Divine Society congregation, mourning the tragic loss. The crash claimed 241 lives, including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, with only one survivor.

"We mourn the loss of so many lives, including relatives of this Mandir congregation. Om Shanti." - Bob Blackman
London, June 17: A memorial ceremony was held by the Indian High Commission in London to honour victims of the Air India AI171 crash. Dignitaries including India's Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami and UK Deputy PM Angela Rayner joined diaspora members to pay tribute.

Key Points

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Indian High Commission holds tribute for 241 crash victims

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UK MP Bob Blackman attends Haridham prayer service

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Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani among deceased

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Sole survivor Vishwashkumar Ramesh under treatment

India's Ambassador to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Canadian High Commissioner to the UK, Ralph Goodale, serving and former MPs, and members of the Indian diaspora gathered to pay tribute to the departed souls.

Joining in the remembrance, UK Member of Parliament Bob Blackman also attended a special prayer service at the Haridham congregation with worshippers of the Yogi Divine Society, offering prayers for the victims of the tragic crash.

"I joined the congregation of Haridham with worshippers of Yogi Divine Society to offer prayers for the victims, their friends & families of the dreadful Ahmedabad Plane Crash. We mourn the loss of so many lives, including relatives of the congregation of this Mandir. Om Shanti," Blackman posted on X.

https://x.com/BobBlackman/status/1934614775679373637

His message comes in the aftermath of the tragic crash involving a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, which slammed into a hostel complex shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12. The accident killed 241 people on board, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

A UK-based expert who reached the crash site to conduct an inspection told media present at the scene, "Maybe we will be able to speak later... We saw what you guys can see... It's just the same, as you can see from here."

As rescue teams and authorities continued identification efforts, officials assured that each body would be returned to families with full respect and dignity.

The aircraft was carrying 242 individuals, comprising 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Only one person, Vishwashkumar Ramesh -- a British national of Indian origin -- survived the crash and is currently undergoing treatment for his injuries.

In addition to those on board, at least 33 others, including local residents and MBBS students living in the hostel, also lost their lives as the plane collided with the building on impact.

Reader Comments

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Priya K.
Heartbreaking tragedy 😢 The memorial ceremony in London shows how this has affected people across borders. My prayers for all the families who lost loved ones. The survivor's story gives some hope amidst this darkness. Om Shanti 🙏
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Rahul S.
While the memorial is appreciated, we need answers about what caused this crash. Was it technical failure or human error? Air India's safety record needs thorough scrutiny. Families deserve transparency and accountability.
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Ananya M.
Touched to see UK politicians participating in Hindu prayers at Haridham. This interfaith solidarity in grief is beautiful. The loss of young medical students in the hostel adds another painful layer to this tragedy.
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Sanjay P.
The survivor's family must be going through so much - relief mixed with grief for others. Hope he recovers soon. Authorities should ensure proper compensation for all victims' families, including those in the hostel.
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Neha T.
Why was a hostel built so close to the airport runway? This raises serious questions about urban planning around our airports. Both aviation authorities and local administration need to answer for this.
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Vikram D.
The High Commission's efforts to bring everyone together in remembrance is commendable. In times like these, we see humanity rise above nationalities. My deepest condolences to all affected families in India and abroad.

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Tags:
Air India AI171 crash Ahmedabad plane crash Indian High Commission London Vikram Doraiswami Angela Rayner Vijay Rupani