"we are ascertaining the details"
An Air India flight bound for London Gatwick has crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
Flight AI171 lost contact with air traffic control at 10:08 am local time, just seconds after departure. It had reached an altitude of 625 feet, according to data from Flightradar.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying at least 242 people when it crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar, outside the airport perimeter.
Footage from the scene shows thick black smoke rising from burning wreckage.
Emergency crews were seen moving people on stretchers and transporting casualties in ambulances to the nearest hospitals.
Air India has confirmed the incident, stating: “A flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in an incident today.
“At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.”
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation in India has confirmed that the aircraft went down after departure. Officials say the plane came down just beyond the airport’s boundary.
India’s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu responded swiftly to the tragedy:
“I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.
“Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.
“I am shocked and devastated by the plane crash.”
The aircraft was due to land at Gatwick Airport at 6:25 pm BST.
In a statement, the airport said: “We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25.
“More information to follow.”
On X, Air India’s Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said it is “with profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today”.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”
“At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.
“We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.
“Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information.”
Authorities in both countries have declared a state of high alert. The Indian government says multiple emergency and medical teams are on-site, and rescue operations are ongoing.
On board the flight were 53 British nationals, 169 Indians, one Canadian and seven Portuguese.
It is reported that the captain had 8,200 hours of flying experience while the co-pilot had 1,100 hours of flying experience.
Pilots made a mayday call shortly before the crash, meaning the crew was aware of a problem.
A spokesperson from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad says the airport is currently not operational. All flight operations are suspended until further notice.
It was reported that at least 200 people were killed.
British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh is said to be the only passenger who survived the tragedy.
Helplines
Concerned relatives are advised to contact the relevant telephone helpline for more information.
British nationals who require consular assistance are advised to call 020 7008 5000.
Air India’s dedicated helpline number in India is 1800 5691 444. Foreign nationals can call +91 806 2779 200.
Loading ...