Ahmedabad, India — An Air India flight bound for London Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s airport, leaving the nation in shock. The tragic incident occurred just five minutes into the flight, which had taken off at 1:38 p.m. local time on Thursday.
Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, director general of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, confirmed that the aircraft was carrying 244 individuals, including 232 passengers and 12 crew members. The plane went down in the residential area of Meghani Nagar, close to the city’s airport, where alarming footage showed plumes of thick smoke rising from the site.
Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, India’s Aviation Minister, expressed his dismay upon learning the news. He extended heartfelt condolences to those affected, stating that his thoughts were with the passengers and their families. “I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to act swiftly and in coordination,” he said, emphasizing the urgency to mobilize rescue teams to aid at the crash site.
Air India issued a brief statement regarding the incident, acknowledging the situation and assuring the public that details were being collected. The airline has pledged to keep the public informed as more information becomes available. According to the airline, the flight was slated to arrive at Gatwick at 6:25 p.m. local time.
The atmosphere around the crash site has turned somber, as rescue operations intensify. Emergency personnel have been deployed to assist survivors and begin the recovery process. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with emergency vehicles rushing to the area as local residents looked on in horror.
Authorities are now investigating the cause of the accident, with investigators expected to scour the wreckage for evidence that may shed light on the circumstances leading to the crash. Preliminary findings will likely determine the next steps in the ongoing investigation into aviation safety standards.
As the nation grapples with this tragedy, the impact of the crash reverberates far beyond Ahmedabad. Families and friends await news of loved ones, while officials assess the wider implications for aviation safety in India.
More updates are anticipated in the coming hours as emergency response efforts continue and recovery operations unfold.