Temples in London pray for Ahmedabad-Gatwick crash victims

Hindu temples across north-west London held prayer services on Thursday evening following the crash of an Air India flight travelling from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. According to media reports, the flight crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport, killing at least 241 people.

According to UK media, the shockwaves of the tragedy have been felt strongly in Harrow, home to many with personal ties to Gujarat. Dozens gathered at the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre near the high street to pray and light candles. Some individuals had already received messages from family in India, fearing that loved ones had been on board. According to UK media, at least one person present believed relatives may have been among the victims, while another had heard that a couple they once lived near had died in the crash.

The Ahmedabad-London route is well known in the area, with many locals having taken that same journey. The spiritual leader of the centre said he personally knew several people believed to have been on the flight. Among them was a former chief minister of Gujarat, who had previously worshipped at the centre and was confirmed to be among the passengers.

Temples in the area, including one on Palmerston Road, also held prayers, with the same spiritual leader stating that some victims had attended services there in the past. UK media reported that four temple workers in the Harrow East constituency had received confirmation that relatives were among the deceased.

It is believed that 169 Indian nationals were on board the flight, many of whom were visiting family and friends in the UK. Officials are still working to identify the passengers and their connections. Among those confirmed to be on the flight was the former chief minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani.

Former local officials and temple attendees described a deep sense of shock and personal loss. For many, the area in Gujarat where the crash occurred is tied to childhood memories, making the tragedy even more painful.