Air India crash Ahmedabad: Tragedy struck on Thursday as an Air India flight bound for London Gatwick crashed just minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad airport in western India.
Officials confirmed that Air India Flight AI171, carrying 232 passengers and 12 crew members, plummeted into the densely populated Meghani Nagar residential area at approximately 1:43 PM local time (08:13 GMT) — just five minutes after its departure.
Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of India’s Directorate of Civil Aviation, told The Associated Press that the cause of the crash is still under investigation. Emergency crews rushed to the site where smoke and flames could be seen billowing from the wreckage.
Eyewitnesses in the Meghani Nagar area described the scene as chaotic and devastating, with rescue teams working against time to recover survivors from the debris of buildings affected by the crash.
The Boeing aircraft was en route to London Gatwick Airport and reportedly encountered trouble shortly after takeoff. Kidwai did not confirm any casualties at the time of reporting but emphasized that “every effort is being made to assess the situation and assist affected families.”
More to Follow
Authorities are expected to hold a press conference later today. Updates will be posted as more information becomes available.
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