Air India plane crashes near Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat
At least 120 people are feared dead after an Air India flight carrying 242 passengers crashed near Ahmedabad Airport.
The plane, en-route to London, crashed in a residential area, five minutes after taking off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport in Gujarat. Visuals of the plane crash circulated on social media show plumes of dark smoke in the sky.
Among the 242 passengers, 169 passengers were Indians, 53 were British nationals, seven Portuguese and one Canadian. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is also suspected to be on board the Air India plane to London.
PM Modi has taken stock of the situation and ordered rescue and relief operations. Civil Aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah are on their way to Ahmedabad to assess the situation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X and wrote, “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.”
As per preliminary reports, the aircraft crashed in a residential area near the airport. Immediately post the crash, local residents rushed to the area to help with rescue efforts.
Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel has reportedly rushed to Ahmedabad from Surat to assess the situation.