Air India Flight Crashes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad, Over 100 Feared Dead
London-bound Flight Crashes in Residential Area Minutes After Departure
Tragedy Strikes: Over 120 Lives Feared Lost in Ahmedabad Air Disaster
Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Among Suspected Passengers
Rescue Efforts Underway as PM Modi, British PM Respond
UK Foreign Secretary: ‘We Are Working Closely With Indian Authorities’
KNT Web Desk: In a tragic incident, an Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday, killing over 120 people, according to preliminary estimates. The flight, which had 242 individuals onboard, including 12 crew members, went down in a densely populated residential area just five minutes after departure.
Eyewitness videos circulating on social media show huge plumes of thick black smoke rising from the crash site, painting a grim picture of the disaster. Initial reports suggest that the pilot had issued a mayday call shortly before the crash, indicating an emergency on board.
Among the passengers, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were from the UK, one was Canadian, and seven were Portuguese. Air India confirmed the total number on board and has activated emergency response mechanisms. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is feared to be among those on board, though official confirmation is awaited.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken stock of the situation and directed swift rescue and relief operations. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is en route to Ahmedabad to oversee the developments and support the ongoing emergency efforts. Meanwhile, all operations at Ahmedabad airport have been suspended temporarily in light of the accident.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy. “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,” he said, adding that he is being kept informed about the evolving situation.
U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy also expressed his condolences and stated that the British government is coordinating with Indian authorities to assist affected families and gather more details.
Helplines have been issued for concerned relatives and citizens seeking information:
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Ministry of Civil Aviation: 011-24610843 | 9650391859
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Air India Passenger Hotline: 1800 5691 444
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Ahmedabad City Police: 07925620359
Rescue teams are on the ground conducting search and recovery operations amid the charred wreckage. More updates are awaited as authorities continue to ascertain the cause of the crash and identify victims.
