An Air India passenger flight en route to London Gatwick was involved in a catastrophic accident shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday, resulting in significant loss of life.
The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, experienced what the airline has termed a “tragic accident” in western India.
Ahmedabad’s police commissioner reported to the BBC that 204 fatalities have been confirmed, with 41 individuals receiving treatment for injuries.
Initial reports suggested a lack of survivors from the crash, with the possibility of additional casualties among local residents near the crash site.
Details surrounding the incident are still emerging.
Air India flight AI171 departed Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT).
Its scheduled arrival at London Gatwick was 18:25 BST.
The crash occurred during departure from Ahmedabad, prompting the immediate suspension of all airport operations.
Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 indicates the aircraft’s signal was lost less than a minute after takeoff, at an altitude of 625ft (190m).
India’s aviation regulator confirmed a mayday call was issued by the plane, with no subsequent response.
The aircraft crashed into a residential area known as Meghani Nagar, impacting a doctors’ hostel, according to police reports.
Witness accounts detail individuals escaping the hostel upon impact, sustaining injuries in the process.
Verified footage shows substantial plumes of black smoke rising over central Ahmedabad.
BBC correspondent Roxy Gagdekar described local residents rushing to assist survivors amidst ongoing rescue and fire suppression efforts.
India’s foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed significant loss of life.
Ahmedabad’s police chief, GS Malik, confirmed 204 fatalities and 41 injuries to the BBC.
The exact breakdown of casualties between those on board and on the ground remains unclear.
Initial reports indicated a lack of survivors, with potential additional casualties among local residents.
Warning: the following clip contains distressing footage.
The flight manifest included 242 passengers and crew, according to Air India.
Nationalities on board included 53 British, 169 Indian, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, had a seating capacity of 256.
Air India activated an emergency center and established a support team for families seeking information.
Gatwick Airport is setting up a reception center for relatives and is coordinating closely with Air India.
It has established a dedicated hotline for British nationals requiring assistance: 0207 008 5000.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner involved marks the first incident of this nature for this aircraft model.
Launched 14 years ago, the aircraft recently celebrated carrying its one billionth passenger.
Air India’s fleet comprises over 190 aircraft, including 58 Boeing planes.
Boeing released a statement expressing condolences and offering support to Air India.
Air India confirmed the accident on X, pledging full cooperation with authorities and providing a dedicated passenger hotline: 1800 5691 444.
Air India’s chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, stated the airline is fully supporting emergency services and impacted individuals.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport suspended all operations pending further notice.
India’s aviation minister directed swift, coordinated action by all relevant agencies.
Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjaparu confirmed the mobilization of rescue teams and provision of medical aid.
Immediate rescue and relief operations are underway, as directed by Gujarat’s chief minister.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sadness and offered assistance to those affected.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer conveyed his condolences and stated he was monitoring developments.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed the UK’s collaboration with Indian authorities and commitment to support.
King Charles and Queen Camilla extended their sympathy and acknowledged the heroic efforts of emergency services.
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Footage depicts the devastation in the residential area impacted by the Air India plane crash.
The BBC’s Roxy Gagdekar describes the crash site as shocking.
An aircraft bound for London Gatwick, carrying 242 individuals, crashed after departing Ahmedabad.
Air India confirmed the presence of 169 Indian, 53 British, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals on board.
Footage shows firefighters battling flames at the crash site in Ahmedabad.