Air India has confirmed that Flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed just minutes after take-off on Thursday afternoon with 242 people on board. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 pm and went down approximately five minutes later.
Of the total passengers and crew, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British nationals, seven were Portuguese nationals, and one was Canadian.
“Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. 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. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals, the full-service carrier wrote on X.
It added, “We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident. “
Disturbing videos circulating online show the moment the aircraft crashed, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air. Emergency rescue operations are ongoing, with fire services and emergency personnel deployed to the crash site. At least seven fire engines are reported to be involved in the effort.
In the aftermath of the crash, all flights from Ahmedabad airport have been suspended until further notice.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident as the situation continues to unfold.
