Air India flight crashes near Ahmedabad, 242 onboard

Published on Authored by C to I News Desk

Air India flight AI171, travelling from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed near the airport on Thursday, June 12.

Air India crash
Thick smoke rising from the crash site. Photo courtesy: Screengrab

While early reports said that around 130 passengers were on board the plane, Air India said in a statement that 242 passengers and crew member were travelling. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.

“The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident,” Air India said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly spoke over the phone with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

According to unconfirmed reports, former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is feared to have been injured.

Thick smoke could be seen from Dharpur near the Meghaninagar area.

The fire brigade reached the spot quickly, and emergency teams are now working at the site.

“A team of over five fire vehicles from various city divisions has reached the location. Fire control measures are being carried out as a precaution,” Gujarat Samachar quoted a senior fire department official as saying.

Officials have not yet confirmed what caused the crash, though Air India confirmed the incident.

Rescue and relief efforts are going on.

More details awaited.