A passenger airplane destined for London crashed shortly after takeoff in India.
More than 240 passengers were on board the Air India jet, which took off from Ahmedabad in western India on Thursday, June 12, and was bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, the airline stated.
The director general of civil aviation, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, told the Associated Press that the plane crashed into a residential neighborhood named Meghani Nagar five minutes after taking off at 1:38 p.m. local time.
Kidwai noted that there were 12 crew members onboard.
According to The Guardian, Indian Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda said that ‘many people’ were killed in the disaster.
In an X post, Air India stated, “Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after takeoff.”
“The flight, which left Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, carried 242 passengers and staff members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft.” Among these are 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese nationals,” the article stated.
“The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals,” Air India said.
Shri. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, India’s aviation minister, also commented on X after the tragedy, expressing his “thoughts and prayers” to all those concerned.
“I’m shocked and heartbroken to read of the Ahmedabad aircraft disaster. We are on high alert. I am personally watching the situation and have instructed all aviation and emergency response organizations to take immediate and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been activated, and every effort is being taken to guarantee that medical aid and humanitarian assistance are sent to the scene,” he added.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families,” he said afterwards.
According to BBC News, Air India’s chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, stated in a statement put on X that “with profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.”
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event,” according to him. “Currently, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.”
“We are doing everything possible to assist the emergency response teams on the scene and to provide all necessary support and care to those affected.” We will provide more updates when we obtain confirmed information. We have launched an emergency center and established a support team to assist families seeking information, according to the message.