This Morning's Cat Deeley pauses show to announce tragic India plane crash news
This Morning was abruptly interrupted with "terrible" breaking news of a plane crash in India on Thursday (June 12).
During today's edition of the hit ITV programme, hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard announced a devastating update after a London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 people crashed shortly after take-off in Ahmedabad, western India.
Onboard were 169 Indian citizens, alongside 53 Britons, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese, as confirmed by Air India.
The aircraft, identified as a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, issued a mayday call post-takeoff but then gave no response.
Flight Radar data revealed that the signal vanished moments after the plane ascended to 625 feet. The jet then tragically plummeted into a residential zone close to the airport, reports Wales Online.
Cat solemnly informed viewers at the beginning of This Morning's View segment: "We're starting with some terrible breaking news."
"An Air India plane bound for London Gatwick has crashed shortly after take off in India. And it really hadn't got very far at all," she added, before passing the baton to Nick Ferrari for further updates.
"This is flight A171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, due to get London Gatwick at 6:25pm. 232 passengers, 12 crew on board. The plane was only up for seconds, it reached a height of about 620 feet or 180 metres," Nick detailed.
"It is believed, and I repeat, it is believed there 52 Britons on board. I stress it just believed at that moment," he continued, before Ben confirmed that there had been 53 British citizens on board.
Nick went on to say: "Air India have confirmed the flight crashed and is now awaiting full investigation. Let's not speculate."
Footage from the crash site showing plumes of dark smoke was then broadcast, underscoring the severity of the incident.
Nick concluded: "Our thoughts are with everyone involved. We'll be talking about what's on your front pages in a moment, that will be on your front pages tomorrow and I'm sure there will be more on ITV as we go along."
Ben added: "Yes, exactly. Stay tuned to the ITV News channels and we'll keep you updated as we hear more."
Following the tragic news, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed in a statement: "The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.
"I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time."
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