AHMEDABAD, June 12 (Alliance News): An Air India flight bound for London’s Gatwick Airport crashed on Thursday shortly after takeoff near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, western India, with over 200 people onboard, officials confirmed.
The aircraft went down in a civilian area close to the airport perimeter. Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of casualties or injuries, though emergency services were seen rushing to the crash site.
According to Gujarat state’s police control room, 242 people were onboard the flight, including passengers and crew. However, local broadcaster CNN-News18 reported the aircraft was carrying 220 passengers and 12 crew members.
Dramatic footage from local TV stations showed debris engulfed in flames, with thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky, suggesting a severe impact.
Air India confirmed the incident on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, “At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates.”
The plane reportedly crashed during its takeoff roll or in the initial climb phase. Local police and fire officials are on-site conducting rescue and recovery operations.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are expected to launch an investigation into the cause of the crash.
