A major aviation tragedy struck India on Wednesday afternoon as an Air India aircraft bound for London Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, carrying 242 people on board.
According to initial reports, the aircraft, operating as Flight AI171, went down at approximately 1:38 PM local time, just five minutes after departure.
The plane crashed into Meghani Nagar, a densely populated residential area near the airport perimeter, causing a large explosion and massive plumes of smoke visible across the city.
India's Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, expressed deep sorrow in a statement shortly after the incident.
"I am shocked and devastated by the news of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families," he said. "Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are rushed to the site.
"I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action."
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft was carrying 232 passengers and 12 crew members when it lost altitude and crashed into a civilian neighborhood.
Local news footage and videos circulating on social media show chaos at the crash site, with emergency crews and bystanders pulling victims from the wreckage. Victims were seen being transported on stretchers to nearby hospitals as fire crews worked to control the blaze.
In a brief statement, Air India acknowledged the incident:
“We confirm that Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in an incident today. At this moment, we are ascertaining further details and will share updates as they become available.”
Authorities have sealed off the area and launched a full-scale emergency response and investigation. Aviation and disaster relief teams are on the ground, while hospitals in the region are on high alert to manage incoming casualties.
There is no official word yet on casualties or the cause of the crash. Eyewitnesses in the area described hearing a loud boom and seeing the plane descend rapidly before impact.
The DGCA, in coordination with Air India and other investigative bodies, is expected to launch a formal probe into the incident. More information will be provided as the situation develops.