• By Raju Kumar
  • Thu, 12 Jun 2025 03:55 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: An Air India plane - Boeing 787-8 aircraft - bound for London crashed near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday. The video of the incident showed that the plane fell to the ground soon after taking off. A video clip showed the plane taking off, but after a few seconds, it fell down and turned into a fireball.

Several injured persons were taken to city civil hospital, an official said. A large plume of black smoke was seen rising from the locality soon after the crash. Emergency responders reached the site promptly and have launched intensive rescue, evacuation, and firefighting operations.

What Air India Said On Plane Crash

Soon after the plane crash, Air India issued a statement on X.

"Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals," the statement read.

The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals, it said, adding that it has also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.

"Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident. Air India will release further information via regular updates on its X handle (https://x.com/airindia) and on http://airindia.com. Note to Editors: Air India requests media persons not to call the dedicated passenger hotline number," it added.

ALSO READ: Vijay Rupani, Former Gujarat CM, Among 242 Passengers On Board Crashed Air India Plane In Ahmedabad

DGCA's Statement On Plane Crash

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said that a team has been rushed to the spot for investigation. The DGCA said 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, the aviation body said.

"On 12th Jun, 2025, 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," said a senior DGCA official.

The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience, the official further added.

ALSO READ: Ahmedabad Plane Crash: 2 Pilots, 10 Crew Were Among 242 Onboard AI Flight; Gujarat CM Orders Green Corridor For Injured

 Monitoring The Situation: Aviation Minister

Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said, "Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on the highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families."

The minister, who was in Vijayawada attending the first anniversary events of the NDA Government, rushed to Ahmedabad immediately upon receiving news of the flight crash. The Minister's office said he is in constant contact with senior officials from DGCA, AAI, NDRF, and the Gujarat State administration to ensure a swift, coordinated response and support. Rescue and medical teams are on site. Passenger safety and emergency response remain the highest priorities.

PM Modi Speaks To Shah, Naidu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. He has asked them to go to Ahmedabad and ensure all possible assistance.

(With agencies inputs)