King Charles sends personal condolences; UK and US experts will assist AI 171 crash probe

At 5:52pm IST on June 12, King Charles conveyed his personal condolences to the next of kin of all victims of the IA 171 air crash in Ahmedabad. The message came through the English royal family’s official X handle.

Signed Charles R, the note said: "My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning. 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 king had a special word of respect for medics and first responders on the ground. “I would like to pay a particular tribute to the heroic efforts of the emergency services,” the note said, “and all those providing help and support at this most heartbreaking and traumatic time.”

AI 171 was bound for London Gatwick from Ahmedabad. Of the 242 passengers, 52 were British nationals. The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said on its website that it has “formally offered its assistance to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, India.”

“In addition, the UK AAIB will have expert status in the Indian safety investigation,” the statement said. This is standard protocol according to International Civil Aviation Organization norms as UK citizens were travelling on the aircraft. “We are deploying a multidisciplinary investigation team to India to support the Indian-led investigation,” the UK AAIB added.

Additionally, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed on X that it will be “leading a team of US investigators travelling to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau with its investigation” into the crash of AI 171.

NTSB added that, according to international protocols under the International Civil Aviation Organization's Annexure 13, “all information on the investigation will be provided by the Government of India.”

India