An Air India flight en route to London Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday, resulting in a tragic loss of life. At least 204 fatalities have been confirmed.
The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, was involved in what the airline described as a “tragic accident.” Ahmedabad’s police chief reported 204 recovered bodies, with 41 individuals receiving treatment for injuries.
Initial reports suggested no survivors from the crash, with the possibility of additional casualties among local residents due to the plane’s impact zone.
Air India flight AI171 departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT), scheduled to arrive at London Gatwick at 18:25 BST. Flight tracking data indicated loss of signal less than a minute after takeoff, at an altitude of 625ft (190m).
The aircraft issued a mayday call to air traffic control, but no further communication was received. The crash occurred in the Meghani Nagar residential area, impacting a doctors’ hostel, according to reports.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and rescue efforts amidst significant plumes of black smoke. Emergency services responded to the scene, engaged in rescue and fire suppression operations.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed a substantial loss of life. Ahmedabad’s police chief, GS Malik, reiterated the 204 death toll and 41 injuries, although the precise breakdown between passengers and ground personnel remains unclear.
Warning: the following clip contains distressing footage.
According to Air India, the flight comprised 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese nationals. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, with a capacity of 256 seats, was involved in its first such incident.
Air India activated an emergency center and support teams for affected families. Gatwick Airport established a relative reception center and is coordinating closely with Air India, providing a contact number for British nationals requiring assistance: 0207 008 5000.
Boeing expressed condolences and offered support to Air India. Air India confirmed the accident and pledged full cooperation with the investigation, establishing a passenger hotline: 1800 5691 444.
Airport operations in Ahmedabad are suspended. Indian aviation authorities initiated swift emergency response, while Gujarat’s chief minister ordered immediate rescue and relief operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, as did UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, extending condolences to the victims and their families. The King and Queen Camilla also offered their sympathies.
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Footage depicts the devastation in the residential area impacted by the Air India plane crash.
The crash site presents a shocking scene, according to BBC’s Roxy Gagdekar.
A London Gatwick-bound flight carrying 242 people crashed after departing Ahmedabad, India.
The flight included 169 Indian, 53 British, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals.
Footage shows firefighters battling flames in Ahmedabad.