AHMEDABAD: A devastating air disaster unfolded near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport as an Air India flight bound for London crashed minutes after takeoff on Thursday. The aircraft, carrying 242 people on board, went down in a crowded residential area, prompting large-scale rescue efforts and fears of high casualties.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik told reporters that while initial assessments suggest there are no survivors, “chances cannot be ruled out” completely. The jet, operating as Flight AI 171, crashed shortly after leaving the runway, with thick black smoke seen billowing from the crash site.
Authorities have confirmed that the plane struck part of a medical college complex and nearby residential buildings, adding to the overall damage. Rescue teams are combing through rubble to search for possible survivors, as emergency services continue to secure the area.
The passenger list included 169 Indian nationals, 53 from the United Kingdom, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is also believed to have been aboard, though official confirmation is awaited.
Prime Minister Modi has directed swift rescue and medical response, following updates from aviation and home ministry officials. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah are heading to Ahmedabad to monitor the situation first-hand.
Visuals shared across social media show large plumes of smoke rising from the crash site, with several buildings visibly damaged. Investigators are focusing on the aircraft’s black box to determine what may have led to the mid-air failure.
While rescue efforts are ongoing, families of passengers are being urged to await official updates as authorities work to verify identities and assess the full impact of the crash.
