A devastating aviation tragedy has unfolded in India.
Air India Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, has crashed just moments after takeoff — leaving behind plumes of thick black smoke and a stunned global aviation community.
According to Indian authorities, the jet was carrying 242 people, including 232 passengers and 12 crew members. According to the airline, 53 British nationals were on board the Air India flight when it crashed.
The aircraft went down in a densely populated residential area known as Meghani Nagar, just outside Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat, Indian Civil Aviation Director General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai confirmed to the Associated Press.
Sky News and flight tracking platform Flightradar24 both reported the jet lost contact just seconds after it lifted off. The tragic incident occurred around 1:38 p.m. local time, according to Sky News. Within moments, emergency responders rushed to the scene as towering smoke columns marked the crash site.
A huge trail of smoke
Shocking images and videos posted on social media show debris scattered across buildings, with sections of the plane’s fuselage and tail visible amidst the wreckage.
Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu responded swiftly, saying: “I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilized, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”
Videos circulating on social media claim to show the Air India plane crash.