An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after takeoff this afternoon, killing all 242 people on board, according to local authorities.
The plane was carrying 242 people including 169 Indians and 53 Britons, Air India confirmed. The aircraft was carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members when it went down in a densely populated residential area.
According to The Journal, The London-bound Air India plane crashed into a residential area (Meghani nagar) moments after taking off at 1:38 p.m. from the Ahmedabad airport. Local police have indicated there appear to be no survivors from the aircraft.
India’s health minister said “many people” had been killed in the crash, which occurred in a crowded neighborhood that includes medical student housing and residential buildings. The crash site is located between a hospital and the city’s Ghoda Camp area, raising fears of additional casualties on the ground.
Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian national, according to the passenger manifest. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is believed to be on board, according to a BJP leader.
Rescue teams from the Indian Army, NDRF, CRPF and Coast Guards have been deployed to the crash site. According to the police, the chances of survival of those under treatment are very low.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his shock at the tragedy, saying he was “stunned and saddened” by the incident. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Modi is closely monitoring the situation and has directed all relevant agencies to provide immediate assistance.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner had departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and was scheduled to arrive at London Gatwick Airport. This marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India in recent years.
Air India has confirmed the incident and stated it is working with authorities to determine the cause of the crash. The airline is expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
This is a developing story with rescue operations continuing at the crash site.