A London-bound Boeing Dreamliner operated by Air India, carrying 242 people, crashed shortly after taking off near the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday in potentially one of the deadliest air disasters in the country in nearly three decades. According to reports, there's only one survivor from the incident.
Visuals from the crash site shared on social media showed thick willow of smoke emanating from the area.
The aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1:39 pm from runway 23. It crashed in just five minutes after take off, according to details shared by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X and wrote, "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected."
Here's what we know so far:
-The Air India flight, a Boeing Dreamliner, was bound for London and the incident took place shortly after takeoff at the Ahmedabad airport.
-As per reports, the aircraft crashed into residential quarters of BJ Medical College doctors in Ahmedabad's Meghaninagar area. Immediately post the crash, local residents rushed to the area to help with rescue efforts.
-Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel rushed to Ahmedabad from Surat to assess the situation.
-According to an ANI report, Union home minister Amit Shah spoke to the Gujarat chief minister, home minister and the police commissioner regarding the plane crash. He also assured to provide central government assistance over the incident.
-Air India took to X and confirmed the development in a post on X. "The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals," it said. The airline further said it has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.
-Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from (Ahmedabad to Gatwick) crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad, the DGCA said. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kunder.
-Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu took to X and wrote, "Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad."
"We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families," he said.
-Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran shared condolences for the people affected by the tragic event. "At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted," he said. Chandrasekaran further informed that an emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information.
-Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel said he has instructed officials to carry out immediate rescue and relief work and arrange for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing. "I have also instructed to arrange for a green corridor to take the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all arrangements for treatment in the hospital on priority basis. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to me and assured full cooperation," he said.
-Soon after the incident, all flight operations at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport were temporarily suspended.
-In a post on X, the Gatwick Airport stated, "We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25."
-The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to investigate the Air India plane crash incident.
-Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Shah and Naidu and asked them to visit Ahmedabad to ensure all possible assistance is extended to those affected in the wake of the air mishap, sources told ANI.
-Home Minister Amit Shah also arrived at the site of Ahmedabad plane crash. Taking to X, he wrote, "Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with the Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the situation."
-The Ministry of Civil Aviation has set up an operational control room post the incident to coordinate all details. Contact details: 011-24610843 | 9650391859
-Ahmedabad City Police issued emergency number 07925620359 for police emergency services and information regarding the Ahmedabad plane crash.
More details on the Ahmedabad plane crash here
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