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Girl killed in plane crash was 'ray of sunshine'

Family handout Akeel Nanabawa and Hannaa Vorajee hold their daughter Sara at a celebration event. Akeel wears a grey top while Hanaa wears a terracota head scarf and gold top. Sara is dressed in pink and they stand in front of a floral displayFamily handout
Akeel Nanabawa and Hannaa Vorajee were on a surprise trip to India with their daughter Sara

A four-year-old girl who died in the Air India plane crash has been described as a "ray of sunshine" who "lit up the classroom".

Britons Akeel Nanabawa and Hannaa Vorajee died alongside their four-year-old daughter Sara when a flight bound for London's Gatwick Airport crashed, family told the BBC.

Abdullah Samad, headteacher of Sara's primary school, paid tribute to the Gloucester family.

The plane was carrying 242 people when it crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport, in western India.

'Touched lots of people'

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 married 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 comion 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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