Ahmedabad: An Air India plane en route to Birmingham crashed at the airport in Ahmedabad, a major city in western India.
Indian media reported that the aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was carrying a total of 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash site, as emergency services responded to the scene.
The plane was headed to London's Gatwick airportin the UK, Air India said, while police officers said it crashed in a civilian area near the airport. "At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates," Air India said on X.
The Air India in the statement further said that 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 crash occurred when the aircraft was taking off, television channels reported. Visuals showed debris on fire, with thick black smoke rising up into the sky near the airport.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the 'tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us' and 'heartbreaking beyond words'. 'In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,' he said in a post on X.
Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim also extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of all those affected in the crash, saying he was 'deeply distressed'. 'We share in India's sorrow and stand in full solidarity as relief efforts continue,' he posted on X.
'I was deeply distressed to learn of the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 near Ahmedabad, India. On behalf of the Government and people of Malaysia, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those affected. We share in India's sorrow and stand in full solidarity as relief efforts continue. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and with everyone mourning this terrible loss' Anwar Ibrahim wrote.
Pakistan People's Party Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said he was 'saddened to hear a tragic incident occurred', mentioning the Air India crash. 'I express my profound condolences to the people of India,' he said on X.