What did Mark Wright say? British actor apologizes for seemingly ‘tone deaf’ plane post after Air India crash that killed at least 260

British actor Mark Wright found himself at the center of criticism over a poorly-timed Instagram post, in the wake of the catastrophic plane crash in India. The crash left more than 260 dead, according to a latest report in The Times of India. Wright has since apologized, following the seemigly “tone-deaf” post.

The crash occurred on June 12, when a Gatwick-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport in the Indian state of Gujarat. The aircraft struck a hostel building, killing scores on board and leaving the local area engulfed in flames. Visuals from the scene show thick plumes of smoke rising over the city as firefighters worked to control the blaze.

Amid global mourning, Mark Wright posted a family photo in front of a private jet with his wife Michelle Keegan and their infant daughter Palma, joking about cramped airline seating. His caption said:

“1 day babe – for now, we'll take row 26 with no extra leg room.”

Followers were quick to respond, after Mark Wright’s post appeared online just as headlines about the Air India crash dominated the news.

As highlighted by The Express, several comments criticized the timing of Wright's post.

“Prob not the best day to post this when so many people lost their lives on a plane,” one follower pointed out.

“Not really appropriate to put this up after today's plane crash.” wrote another user.

A third chimed in with,

“Poor taste given today’s event.”

Mark Wright responds to criticism with Instagram post apology

Following intense backlash online, Mark Wright issued a statement on Instagram apologizing for the poorly timed post.

“I apologise for a post I just put up on my page after today’s heartbreaking events,” he wrote.

The photo, which featured Mark Wright and his family in front of a private jet, was quickly deleted. In his statement, Mark Wright explained that the post had been scheduled in advance and was not intended to coincide with the tragic plane crash.

“I have posts from a holiday that are on the scheduled setting, which go out on future days I have set them for which was done last week. It’s a horrendous coincidence that today’s post was on such a devastating day,” he said.

“Once I logged in to my Instagram and realised the post had gone out, I immediately deleted. My heart goes out to everyone who has been affected from today.” he added.

Wright concluded his message with:

“I apologise for this mistake and any offence caused.”

Air India flight AI-117 crashes minutes after takeoff; One survivor identified

Authorities identified a single survivor from the deadly crash of Air India Flight AI-117: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national who had been seated in 11A. His brother, also on the flight, was among the 241 confirmed fatalities.

The Hindu reported that Barring one miracle survivor, no one else could be rescued. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among those killed.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner lifted off from Ahmedabad Airport at 1:38 p.m. but plummeted just five minutes later, crashing into the BJ Medical College hostel mess. Over 100 students were having lunch when the plane struck. A violent explosion followed, with a smoke plume visible for miles.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who met the survivor in hospital, attributed the impossibility of rescue to the massive blast and fuel volume.

“Due to the huge amount of fuel at 1.25 lakh litre and high temperature from the explosion, no one could be rescued,” he said.

Trending

The Independent noted that civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu had launched a formal investigation under international aviation rules. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the UK had sent a team to assist.

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with 8,200 hours of flying experience, had been at the controls, alongside First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours. Ten additional crew members were onboard.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback