A London-bound Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad, killing or injuring an unconfirmed number of the 242 people on board. Aviation officials described it as a “tragic accident,” while rescue efforts are currently underway.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as Flight 171 to London Gatwick, issued a mayday call moments after takeoff before crashing just outside the airport perimeter, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Thick black smoke was seen billowing from the crash site near the airport, which is surrounded by densely populated residential areas. Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat state, is home to about eight million people.
India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, expressed shock over the incident and ordered a coordinated emergency response. “Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support reach the site,” he said in a statement. “My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”
The DGCA confirmed there were 242 individuals aboard the plane, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members.
Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran confirmed the crash, describing it as a “tragic accident.” He extended condolences to the families of those affected and said an emergency response center has been activated, with a dedicated support team assisting next of kin.
India has a history of fatal aviation disasters. In 2010, an Air India Express flight crashed in Mangalore, killing 158 people. In 1985, an Air India Boeing 747 was brought down by a bomb planted by militants, resulting in the deaths of all 329 people on board off the coast of Ireland.
Authorities are expected to launch a formal investigation into the cause of the crash.
