An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed near Ahmedabad minutes after takeoff on Thursday, officials said. The flight was headed to London's Gatwick airport when it went down in a civilian area adjacent to the airport.
Authorities report that the plane struck a doctors' hostel. "The building on which it has crashed is a doctors' hostel … we have cleared almost 70 percent to 80 percent of the area and will clear the rest soon," a senior police officer told reporters as rescue teams worked on site.
The 242 people on board included 217 adults and 11 children: 169 Indian nationals, 43 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian, according to a source. India's federal health minister confirmed that "many people" were killed in the accident.
Over two dozen ambulances were dispatched immediately to carry out rescue operations. Video footage aired on news channels showed thick columns of smoke rising from the crash site, while police diverted traffic to clear the area for emergency teams.
India's civil aviation minister, Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, took to social media saying: "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 mobilized, 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."
Flight tracking service Flightradar24 identified the aircraft as one of the most modern passenger jets in service. Air India stated on X: "At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates."
As the region awaits further information, communities from India to the UK and beyond are monitoring rescue efforts and mourning potential losses.
Reference(s):
Air India plane with 242 crashes near Ahmedabad, 'many killed'
cgtn.com
