Today, June 12, in Ahmedabad in western India, a passenger plane of Air India, heading to London with 242 people on board, crashed a few minutes after taking off from the airport.
This was reported by the Indian state news channel DD News, citing representatives of the airline and the police.
Thus, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the Boeing 787-8 aircraft was operating flight AI-171 to London, and crashed shortly after takeoff. On board the aircraft were 2 pilots, 10 crew members and 230 passengers.
It is indicated that the flight took place at 13:38 local time (11:08 Kyiv time). According to the airline, of the 242 people on board, 169 were Indian citizens, 53 were British citizens, one was Canadian and seven were Portuguese citizens.
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said that the emergency center has been activated and support teams are working to provide assistance to the families of those on board.
"Our main focus at the moment is to support all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the scene and provide all necessary support and assistance to the victims," he said in a statement.
It reports that thick clouds of smoke were pouring from the crash site, and fire brigades along with emergency services immediately rushed to the scene.
According to an official representative of the International Airport named after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA), flights at Ahmedabad airport have been suspended until further notice.
A column of smoke after the plane crash. Photo: DD News
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said he was personally monitoring the situation.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said officials have been instructed to "conduct immediate rescue operations and arrange for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a military-grade basis".
"I have also instructed to arrange a green corridor for the injured passengers for treatment and ensure all arrangements for treatment at the hospital on a priority basis. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to me and assured me of full cooperation," he said.
Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on Twitter that the country is working with local authorities in India to "urgently establish the facts and provide support".
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