AHMEDABAD, INDIA – A tragic aviation accident has occurred in western India, as an Air India flight carrying 242 people crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport. The plane, identified as Flight AI171, was en route to London Gatwick when it went down in a nearby residential area.
According to local media reports cited by Reuters, the aircraft crashed just five minutes after taking off at 1:38 PM local time. The plane reportedly fell outside the airport’s perimeter, crashing into a civilian neighborhood known as Meghani Nagar.
Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of the Directorate of Civil Aviation, confirmed to the Associated Press that the aircraft was carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members at the time of the crash.
Disturbing scenes have been shared widely on social media, showing thick black smoke rising into the sky and rescue workers rushing to the scene. Several victims were seen being carried on stretchers and transported by ambulances.
The Indian aviation regulator said the plane crashed into a “civilian area,” and the aviation minister stated that emergency rescue teams have been mobilised and are on high alert.
Air India released a brief statement acknowledging the crash, confirming that flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was "involved in an incident" and that more information would be shared soon.
Gatwick Airport also issued a statement:
“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.”
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash. Updates are expected as search and rescue operations continue.
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