An Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London has crashed in the Megnaninagar area of Ahmedabad. Reports suggest the plane crashed immediately after takeoff, igniting into flames. Gripping images from Ahmedabad show the aircraft oozing dense black smoke. Seven fire brigade trucks have arrived and are actively engaged in putting out the fire. There were a total of 242 people on board the aircraft. This Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was 11 years old. When the plane lost its signal, it was around 625 feet above sea level. The pilot flying the plane was Captain Sumit Sabherwal, accompanied by First Officer Kundan.
According to news agency ANI, the flight held a total of 242 people, including 2 pilots and 10 crew members.
Recent updates have confirmed that an NDRF rescue team has been dispatched to the site. BSF teams have also arrived and are fully engaged in rescue operations. The ill-fated aircraft traveled from Delhi to Ahmedabad before its scheduled departure to London. In response to this tragic event, Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Ahmedabad's police commissioner noted that the crash occurred in the Megnaninagar area.
As per Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft took off from runway number 23 at 13:39. It soon sent a MAYDAY message to ATC, signifying an emergency on board. Subsequent communication attempts by ATC with the aircraft were met with silence. Immediately after taking off, the plane plummeted beyond the airport's perimeter, resulting in visible dense black smoke at the crash site.
According to DGCA, the crash occurred five minutes post-takeoff.
Reportedly, 53 passengers from the UK, 7 from Portugal, and 1 from Canada were on the aircraft, in addition to 169 Indian citizens and 12 crew members.
Following the crash, a nearby building, which housed medical professionals, caught fire too. The scene at the crash site is grim, with everything appearing covered in soot. The aircraft was consumed by flames, leaving no visible remains.
In response, all hospitals around Ahmedabad have been put on high alert, activating emergency measures. Five large ambulances have been dispatched to the site to transport passengers to hospitals. Air India mentioned in a statement that flight number AI171, meant to operate from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in the crash. We are gathering more information about the incident.
Photos from the scene illustrate that the plane initially gained elevation post-takeoff, only to nosedive after ascending momentarily, transforming swiftly into a fiery inferno.
After the event, operations at Ahmedabad Airport have been completely halted, with all flights suspended.
Source: aajtak
It was relayed that former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani, was also aboard the aircraft. His name appears on the passenger list released by Air India.
In reaction to this incident, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed deep sorrow, stating on X: "I am deeply pained by the tragic crash of an Air India passenger plane in Ahmedabad. I've directed the authorities to execute immediate rescue and relief operations at a war footing and ensure swift medical treatment for injured passengers.
He also instructed the setup of a green corridor and to prioritize all necessary medical facilities at hospitals.
Honorable Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken with me, offering full NDRF and central government support in rescue and relief operations."
Following the incident, PM Narendra Modi communicated with the Civil Aviation Minister, who is en route to the crash site. Home Minister Amit Shah is also heading to Ahmedabad.
Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran voiced profound condolences, "It is with deep regret that I confirm the involvement of Air India's flight number AI171, scheduled from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, in a tragic accident. Our heartfelt sympathies go to all those affected by this disastrous event, their families, and loved ones.
Currently, our foremost concern is to support all affected individuals and their families. We are fully committed to aiding emergency response teams onsite and providing all necessary assistance and care to impacted individuals.
As verified information comes in, further updates will be shared. An emergency center has been activated, with support teams available for families seeking information.
