The North-West London borough of Harrow, home to one of the UK's largest Gujarati communities, is reeling from the Air India plane crash that occurred shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad on Thursday. Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed in a civilian area outside the airport in western India. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 people, including 53 British nationals, many of whom were likely on their way to visit family in the UK.

News of the crash has spread rapidly through the community, leaving many in a state of shock and grief. Harrow East MP Bob Blackman, whose constituency has a significant Gujarati population, told the BBC that his constituents were horrified and devastated and that almost all the Indian nationals on board would have been visiting relatives in Britain. "A third of my constituents come from Gujarat originally, and they will all have family and friends there. It's a very close community and so they'll all be affected by this.”

The sense of connection to the tragedy is palpable in Harrow. The British Gujarati community maintains strong ties to their homeland, with frequent travel between the UK and Gujarat. For many, the victims of the crash are not just names in a news report, but friends, family, and community members.

The initial aftermath has been a flurry of activity as people desperately try to find more information. Air India has activated an emergency center and support teams for families seeking information. A dedicated passenger hotline has also been set up to provide assistance. Gatwick Airport has established a reception center for relatives of passengers, where information and support will be available.

The disaster has prompted messages of condolence and support from community leaders and politicians. Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his shock and distress, acknowledging the unique bond between the UK and India. The High Commission of India in London has also expressed its condolences and offered assistance to the families of victims in the UK.

As the investigation into the crash begins, the focus in Harrow remains on supporting those affected by the tragedy. The community is known for its resilience and strong social bonds, and members are coming together to offer comfort and assistance to those who have lost loved ones.

The crash has also brought into focus the close economic and social ties between the UK and India, particularly within the Gujarati community. With approximately 600,000 people of Gujarati descent in the UK, the impact of the tragedy is deeply felt. The UK India Business Council has expressed its sadness and offered condolences to the victims and their families.