A London-bound Air India passenger flight carrying 242 people crashed on Thursday morning shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat.
The aircraft went down in a residential area of Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad, after departing at 1.39 p.m. local time (08.09 GMT).
Emergency services rushed to the scene, and fears of casualties remain high, though officials have not confirmed any numbers yet.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the aircraft was carrying 242 people, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members. It is thought that around 20 passengers were Muslim.
According to the DGCA, the aircraft issued a Mayday call to the air traffic control (ATC) shortly after takeoff but did not respond to further communications.
Air India confirmed the crash, stating that Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, was involved in “an incident” after departing Ahmedabad.
Of 242 people aboard, the airliner said 169 were Indian nationals, plus 53 UK citizens, seven from Portugal and one was from Canada, in addition to two pilots and 10 cabin crew.
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The Indian Civil Aviation Ministry said it has established an Operational Control Room to coordinate all details.
Massive rescue and relief operations are going on and authorities have deployed personnel to clear the debris, while the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has closed all its operations in the wake of the crash.
Images shared by India’s Central Industrial Security Force showed the Air India flight crashed into buildings in the Meghaninagar residential area.
According to local broadcaster NDTV, the flight slammed into a medical college hostel, killing at least five students and injuring several, who are being treated at a nearby hospital.
Gatwick Airport officials said the aircraft had been scheduled to land in London at 6.25 pm local time (1825GMT).
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed “profound sorrow” over the crash.
“Our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families,” he said in a statement. “We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and provide all necessary support and care.”
India’s prime minister on Thursday said the crash of a UK-bound Air India passenger plane left him both shocked and in sorrow.
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,” Narendra Modi said on X.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the crash was “devastating.” “My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time,” he said on X.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also “deep sadness” over the plane crash. “The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support,” Lammy said on X.
More to follow…
