• Source:JND
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Ahmedabad Plane Crash: A London-bound Air India plane (AI171) carrying at least 242 passengers on Thursday crashed in the Meghaninagar locality near the Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. At least 242 people, including 2 pilots and 10 crew members, were on board the ill-fated plane when it crashed into residential quarters of BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad's Meghaninagar area shortly after take-off from the Ahmedabad airport. The plane was heading to London's Gatwick airport.

Massive plumes of smoke can be seen from far away after the plane crash. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner said that three NDRF teams, comprising 90 personnel, have been pressed into action for the rescue operations. Visuals showed debris on fire, with thick black smoke rising into the sky near the airport, and people being moved in stretchers and being taken away in ambulances.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: What We Know So Far

- The Air India Aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, one of the most modern passenger aircraft in service, crashed at the doctors' hostel of the BG Medical College in Ahmedabad. At least 200 passengers are feared dead in the crash. However, an official confirmation from the authorities is still awaited.

- The Ahmedabad police have released a list of 25 people who sustained severe injuries in the plane crash. The injured include three women and 22 men. 

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- The ill-fated plane was carrying 230 passengers, 10  crew members and 2 pilots. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also onboard the Air India AI171 aircraft when it crashed. "Vijay Rupani was going to London by the Air India flight," said senior state BJP leader Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, adding, "I am going to the city civil hospital to inquire about him."

- According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the 242 people included 217 adults and 11 children. Of them, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were Britons, seven were Portuguese, and one was Canadian.

- "Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from (Ahmedabad to Gatwick) has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar," Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Catch All Live Updates Here

- "Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience. As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmadabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site," DGCA added.

- Union Home Minister Amit Shah dialled Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and the Police Commissioner regarding the plane crash. He also assured to provide Central government assistance in the rescue operations.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu and took stock of the plane crash at the Ahmedabad airport. "The minister informed the prime minister that he is rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground," an official of the Civil Aviation ministry said.

ALSO READ: Ahmedabad Plane Crash: First Visual Of Air India Flight Falling On Ground, Turning Into Fireball | Video

- PM Modi also spoke to Home Minister Amit Shah and asked both Shah and Naidu to go to Ahmedabad and ensure all possible assistance is extended to those affected in the wake of the air mishap.