Air India fatal crash in Gujarat impacts Tairāwhiti's Indian community
Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council is 'deeply saddened' and says members of Gisborne's Indian community will be affected by the Air India plane crash that killed 265 people in Gujarat.
'Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragic event,' Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council (TMC) president Arish Naresh told the Gisborne Herald
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NZ's Indian community devastated after Ahmedabad plane crash
New Zealand's Indian community is gathering at Auckland's Mahatma Gandhi Centre tonight to pay respects to victims of the Ahmedabad airplane crash yesterday. So far, there is only one reported survivor among the 242 people who were on board the London-bound Air India flight that crashed in a residential neighbourhood within a minute of taking off from Ahmedabad's international airport, according to media reports. At least 290 people were killed once dozens of victims on the ground were included in the death toll, CNN reported. Rescuers work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state. (Source: Associated Press) Victims of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash in Gujarat state included minors, local residents, and people who were inside a medical college hostel when the plane struck it, according to media reports. ADVERTISEMENT Air India said the dead included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese and one Canadian. Rescuers work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state. (Source: Associated Press) Narendra Bhana, former president of the New Zealand Indian Central Association, said the Indian community was devastated by the news. "The Indian diaspora collectively mourns the loss of lives in Ahmedabad," Bhana said. "Gujaratis – including me – form a large part of the Indian diaspora here in New Zealand and we all have strong family connections to the region. ... The impact is huge. "We stand in solidarity with the people of Gujarat and all of India during this time of mourning. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured, the rescue teams and everyone working tirelessly to provide support on the ground." Narendra Bhana, former president of the New Zealand Indian Central Association. (Source: RNZ / Blessen Tom) ADVERTISEMENT Working with the Indian Diaspora Group, Bhana has organised the candlelight vigil in Auckland and is expected a large gathering. "We invite people from all sections of society to join us in lighting a candle in tonight's solemn gathering," he said. "It is a time to come together in prayers, reflection and solidarity with the victims." New Zealand's Indian community gathers at Auckland's Mahatma Gandhi Centre to pay respects to victims. (Source: 1News) Hitesh Dobariya, who lost a distant relative in the crash, said he had been in touch with his family in Ahmedabad since last night. They were still in a state of shock, he said. "Authorities have taken DNA samples yesterday to ascertain the identity of those killed. "While we know all but one person on board has survived the crash, we still need the official confirmation. ADVERTISEMENT "Now we wait for the official investigation to conclude and tell us what really happened." The BBC's Yogita Limaye reports from the scene of the Air India tragedy in Ahmedabad. (Source: Breakfast) Among the dead is former Chief Minister of Gujarat Vijay Rupani, who ruled the state between 2016 and 2021. Ketan Joshi, a local journalist who runs the runs Gujarati news portal Apun Gujarat in Auckland, shared his experience working with Rupani. "I got to know Vijay ... while covering the Covid era," Joshi said. "He was always known as the common man's chief minister. How well he managed one of India's most prosperous states during those challenging times will always be his legacy." People stand around debris at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki) (Source: Associated Press) ADVERTISEMENT After providing support to victims' families and confirming casualties, attention would likely shift to the cause of the crash. Shares in Boeing fell by more than 7% in pre-market trade today. For recently privatised Air India – the Tata Group bought the airline from the Indian government in 2021 – the crash comes as a huge blow as it embarks on shedding its decade-long image of a debt-ridden player in India's growing aviation sector. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident "heartbreaking beyond words", adding that he was working with authorities involved in the disaster. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the scenes were "devastating". The United Kingdom had activated a crisis team in New Delhi and London, British foreign minister David Lammy said.
NZ Herald
a day ago
- NZ Herald
Air India fatal crash in Gujarat impacts Tairāwhiti's Indian community
Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council is 'deeply saddened' and says members of Gisborne's Indian community will be affected by the Air India plane crash that killed 265 people in Gujarat. 'Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragic event,' Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council (TMC) president Arish Naresh told the Gisborne Herald
1News
a day ago
- 1News
PM to visit China and Europe, will meet Xi Jinping
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