A nurse from Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth died in yesterday’s Air India plane crash. Renjitha Gopakumaran Nair was among 241 fatalities when flight AI171 crashed seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
Mrs Gopakumaran Nair, originally from Kerala, was returning to London aboard the 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft on 12 June when the tragedy occurred moments after departure. The flight carried 242 passengers and crew members, with only one British man surviving the crash.
The mother of two had travelled back to Kerala to visit relatives and supervise building work on her new property. Mrs Gopakumaran Nair had been employed at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth for roughly one year, with plans to return to India upon completing her work contract.
Hospital colleagues have posted tributes on social media, with one staff member writing: “Tragic News tonight – One of our colleague QA nurses sadly passed away in the plane crash today. Thoughts are with her family, friends and work family.”
Air India confirmed the passenger manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian national.
The airline stated: “Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Our efforts now are focussed entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones.
“A team of caregivers from Air India is now in Ahmedabad to provide additional support. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.”
Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive of London Gatwick, said: “We are very saddened to hear about today’s accident involving Air India flight AI171 and our thoughts are with the family and friends of those on board.
“We can confirm flight AI171 that was involved in an accident shortly after departure from Ahmedabad Airport was due to land at London Gatwick at 6.25pm BST.
“London Gatwick is liaising closely with Air India and a reception centre for relatives of those on board is being set up where information and support will be provided.”
British nationals requiring consular assistance or with concerns about friends or family should telephone 020 7008 5000.
Air India has established a dedicated passenger helpline on +91806 2779 200 for further information.
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