‘Desperately shocked’: King Charles issues statement following crash of London-bound Air India flight

King Charles has released a statement following the plane crash of a London-bound Air India flight on Thursday.

The monarch has shared the statement via social media.

“My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning,” Charles, 76 said.

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“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,” he continued.

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King Charles concluded the post by paying “particular tribute to the heroic efforts of the emergency services and all those providing help and support at this most heartbreaking and traumatic time.”

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He signed off with his regnal signature, “Charles R.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the news was “absolutely devastating”.

“In this time of tragedy, Australia’s thoughts are with everyone affected,” he said on social media.

“Our government is receiving regular updates and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

US President Donald Trump described it as “terrible” and “horrific.” He also said he’s offered help to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran described what happened as a “tragic accident”.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event,” he said in a statement.

Flight 171 was headed from Ahmedabad, in the north-west Indian state of Gujarat, to London Gatwick Airport on Thursday when it crashed shortly after takeoff.

An airline spokesperson said the aircraft was carrying 242 passengers and crew members, including 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.

It struggled to climb above the runway before crashing into a doctors’ hostel, killing almost everyone on board and some in the building, according to flight records, comments from officials, and video footage.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that a single passenger survived the crash and said he met him at the hospital.

A doctor said he had examined the survivor, whom he identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh.

“He was disoriented with multiple injuries all over his body,” Dr Dhaval Gameti told The Associated Press.

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“But he seems to be out of danger.”

The Hindustan Times said it spoke to Ramesh in a local hospital and quoted him as saying: “Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.”

“There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.”

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The Londoner of 20 years reportedly suffered “impact injuries” to his chest, eyes, and feet and was looking for his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, who he said was sitting in a different row.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is from Gujarat, called the crash “heartbreaking beyond words”.

“In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected,” he said in a social media post.

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