A London-bound Air India plane with 242 people on board crashed on Thursday in the Meghani Nagar area of Gujarat, near the Ahmedabad airport.
Dramatic visuals circulating on social media showed thick plumes of smoke billowing from the crash site, which is a dense residential area.
According to information released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Air India plane took off from runway 23 of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad at 1:39 pm and went down within minutes of departure.
The mishap occurred amid regular tarmac operations, prompting an immediate and large-scale emergency response.
According to initial information, the Boeing B787-8 Dreamliner aircraft was in its take-off phase when the accident occurred.
Rescue Operations Underway
The Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services Department swiftly responded, dispatching more than five firefighting vehicles from various divisions across the city.
“A team of over five fire vehicles has been deployed to the site. Fire control measures are currently underway as a precautionary step,” confirmed a senior fire department official.
The flight (AI171) was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, at the time of the incident. While the exact number of fatalities or injuries has not yet been officially confirmed, most of the passengers are feared dead.
Residents in Meghani Nagar reported hearing three loud explosions followed by visible plumes of smoke near the airport premises. This account aligns with the timeline of the incident, though authorities have yet to comment on the nature or source of the explosions.
In the immediate aftermath, all roads leading to the airport have been sealed off to ensure smooth emergency operations and public safety. Security personnel have cordoned off the affected area, and airport authorities have launched a preliminary internal investigation.
A technical team has been deployed to assess the extent of the damage to the aircraft, while the cause of the incident remains under review. The DGCA has also been informed and is expected to conduct a detailed probe into the matter.
Both Air India and DGCA are yet to release an official statement. Further updates are anticipated as emergency crews and investigative teams continue their work on site.
(With inputs from IBNS)
