AIR INDIA FLIGHT CARRYING AT LEAST 244 PEOPLE CRASHES ON TAKEOFF

Thu 12 June 2025:

Air India Flight 171 has crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad in India, carrying at least 244 people, local authorities say.

Authorities in London confirmed that the plane was due to land at the city’s Gatwick Airport at 1825 local time (1725GMT).

ANI news agency reports that at least 90 emergency response workers are currently deployed to the site of the crash.

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, chief of India’s directorate of civil aviation, tells the Associated Press the plane crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar.

There were 242 people on board, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew

Of the passengers, there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals

Passenger plane heading for London crashes after take-off in Ahmedabad, India

What we know so far
A passenger plane heading to London has crashed shortly after take-off in Ahmedabad, western India

More than 200 people are believed to be on board

The plane appears… pic.twitter.com/x68pY7mTNx

— INDEPENDENT PRESS (@IpIndependent) June 12, 2025

Tragedy has stunned us, says Modi

In a post on X, he says: “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is 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.”

The scenes are devastating, says Keir Starmer

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says his thoughts are with the passengers and families of those on the Air India flight, which was bound for London Gatwick and crashed in Ahmedabad.

He says: “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.

“I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”

In a statement posted on X, Air India’s chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, says “with profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today”.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event,” he says.

“At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.

“We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.

“Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information.”

232 passengers and 12 crew members on board, official says

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, chief of India’s directorate of civil aviation, tells the Associated Press the plane crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar.

There were 232 passengers and 12 crew members on board, he… pic.twitter.com/uS2Sfb06Os

— INDEPENDENT PRESS (@IpIndependent) June 12, 2025

State minister orders rescue efforts on ‘war footing’

The Chief Minister of Gujarat says officials have been instructed to carry out “immediate rescue and relief operations” and to make arrangements on a “war footing”.

“I have also instructed officials to arrange a green corridor to transport the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all necessary medical arrangements are made at the hospital on priority,” Bhupendra Patel writes on X, external..

A spokesperson from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad says the airport is currently not operational. All flight operations are suspended until further notice.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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