In a shocking and tragic development, an Air India flight carrying 242 passengers crashed just five minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday. The aircraft was en route to Gatwick Airport in London when the accident occurred, sending shockwaves across the nation and drawing immediate response from top government authorities.
Massive Crash Near Ahmedabad Airport
Eyewitness videos shared on social media captured plumes of dark smoke billowing into the sky, confirming the severity of the crash. According to the official statement from Air India, the flight had 242 people onboard, including 12 cabin crew members. Among the passengers, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 British, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is also suspected to have been on board, raising further concern about the passenger list.
PM Modi Orders Immediate Rescue and Relief Operations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded swiftly to the tragedy. Taking stock of the situation, he has ordered immediate rescue and relief operations near the crash site. Emergency teams are working on-site to provide assistance, search for survivors, and control the aftermath of the disaster. The Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu, has been dispatched to Ahmedabad and is en route to assess the situation in person.
Airport Operations Halted
In the wake of the crash, Ahmedabad Airport has been temporarily shut down. All flight operations have been suspended to facilitate rescue efforts and manage the emergency response without hindrance.
What We Know So Far – Key Updates
Flight Details: The Air India plane was flying from Ahmedabad to Gatwick (London).