Tributes have been paid to three Britons from the same family who died when an Air India flight bound for London's Gatwick Airport crashed.
Husband and wife Akeel Nanabawa and Hannaa Vorajee died in the crash alongside their four-year-old daughter Sara, family members told the BBC. The family lived in Gloucester.
Abdullah Samad, headteacher of Sara's primary school, said the child was a “beaming ray of sunshine” who “lit up the classroom”.
The plane was carrying 242 people when it crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport, in western India.
Mr Samad, who is also imam at the Masjid E Umar mosque, told BBC News the family were on a surprise trip to India and had not shared details of their visit.
“We were praying, hoping they weren't involved because miracles can happen and our prayers are continuous but our expectations are also realistic,” he said.
Mr Samad said the couple were well-known for their charity work and generosity.
“They touched lots of people and they will be missed by lots of people.
“They helped fundraise for the humanitarian efforts in Gaza and medical care for poor individuals in India. That was part of their service to the community,” he said.
‘Profound loss'
In a statement published online – Gloucestershire Muslim Bereavement Council (GMBC) said it was “profoundly heartbroken” by the “devastating loss of life”.
The spokesperson added: “During this moment of overwhelming sorrow, our hearts go out to all those left behind.
“No words can truly ease the pain of such a profound loss, but we pray that the family may find solace in the tremendous outpouring of compassion and solidarity from communities across the world.
“May their cherished memories provide comfort, and may they rest in eternal peace.”
A local police chief told BBC News 204 bodies had been recovered in Ahmedabad. It is not known how many of those people were on the plane, or were on the ground when the plane crashed.
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