SRINAGAR: An Air India aircraft, Flight AI 171 bound for London, carrying around 242 passengers crashed during take-off at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, according to the Gujarat State Police Control Room. The incident occurred near the Meghaninagar area close to the airport.
As reported by The Hindu, visuals from the scene showed thick black smoke billowing into the sky and parts of the aircraft engulfed in flames. Debris was seen scattered on the ground as emergency services rushed to the site.
Fire tenders reached the location swiftly and began efforts to extinguish the blaze, said fire officer Jayesh Khadia. Rescue teams could be seen evacuating individuals on stretchers and moving them into ambulances, though official confirmation on casualties or injuries is still awaited.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik told reporters that it was still unclear what type of aircraft was involved, though the Police Control Room confirmed it was an Air India international flight headed to the United Kingdom.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the State Home Minister, and the Police Commissioner. According to The Hindu, he assured full support from the Centre and said all necessary assistance would be extended.
As of now, the cause of the crash remains unknown, and investigations are expected to be launched once rescue operations conclude. Authorities have urged the public to stay away from the crash site to allow emergency teams to work without obstruction.
Further details are awaited.
