In an updated statement, Boeing said “We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them.”
“Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected,” the company said.
Air India flight 171, a Boeing 787-8, crashed into a residential area in India’s northwestern city of Ahmedabad five minutes after taking off at 1:38 p.m. local time.
Reception area being set up at London Gatwick for family members and loved ones
The airport in south London says it is “liaising closely with Air India” and that staffers are setting up a reception center for relatives of those on board the Air India Boeing 787 flight to provide “information and support.”
In a statement posted on social media, the airport said the flight, which had more than 240 passengers and crew aboard, was due to land at 6:25 p.m. local time.
Gatwick, which is around 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of London, is the U.K.’s second-busiest airport.
US officials say they are prepared to send a team to assist with the investigation, if requested
The U.S. government says it is ready to send a team to help investigate the Air India crash if Indian officials request it.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the National Transportation Safety Board would be the U.S. government’s primary representative and the FAA provides technical support.
The NTSB routinely helps determine the causes of about 450 international crashes every year.
Charles III says he and Queen Camilla are ‘desperately shocked’ by the news
“Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones,” the monarch said in a statement.
The king also paid tribute to the heroic efforts of the emergency services and all those providing help and support “at this most heartbreaking and traumatic time.”
The U.K. and India have particularly close ties and are leading members of the Commonwealth group of nations, which the king is head of.
