Air India Flight Crash Near Ahmedabad Airport: 242 Onboard, Tragedy Strikes Gujarat

Air India flight crashes near Ahmedabad airport during takeoff; 242 passengers were onboard. Rescue operations underway. Here’s what we know so far.

In a devastating turn of events, an Air India flight bound for London carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport early Thursday morning. The incident, confirmed by the Gujarat State Police Control Room, has shocked the nation and raised urgent questions about aviation safety.

According to preliminary reports regarding Air India Flight Crash, the aircraft caught fire mid-air moments after lifting off from Meghani area, close to the airport boundary. Witnesses reported seeing a “massive ball of fire” and thick black smoke emanating from the airport vicinity, leading to immediate fears of heavy casualties.

The crash site was quickly cordoned off as emergency response teams, including the Airport Fire Unit, local disaster management authorities, medical response units, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams rushed to the spot to rescue survivors and control the blaze.

Conflicting Reports on Passenger Numbers related to Air India Flight Crash

There have been inconsistencies in initial passenger counts, with some sources reporting 133 passengers, while others, including media and law enforcement, confirming 242 to 243 people were aboard. The official Air India statement is still awaited for clarification. However, eyewitness accounts and preliminary updates from airport sources confirm that the aircraft was nearly at full capacity.

As per the manifest obtained from local authorities, the plane was scheduled to fly from Ahmedabad to London Heathrow International Airport.

What Happened During Takeoff?

Initial eyewitness accounts and local reports indicate that the aircraft struggled to gain altitude, veered slightly off-course, and within seconds, lost power. A loud explosion was heard near the Meghani area, about a kilometer from the runway.

The aircraft reportedly caught fire immediately upon hitting the ground. Rescue efforts are focused on pulling survivors from the wreckage and dousing the fire.

Local journalist Rohan Desai (@JournoRohan) who was present near the site tweeted, “The fire was massive. We could feel the heat from hundreds of meters away. Fire trucks and ambulances arrived within minutes, but the scene is heartbreaking.”

Government and Airline Response

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched an immediate investigation and directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to provide a detailed preliminary report within 24 hours. Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia expressed deep anguish and assured all necessary support to the affected families.

Air India, now part of the Tata Group, has yet to release an official statement. However, sources confirm that a crisis management team has been activated for Air India Flight Crash, and family helpline numbers will be issued shortly.

Casualties and Rescue Operations

As of the latest unofficial estimates, multiple casualties are feared. Rescue teams have retrieved both survivors and bodies from the debris. Medical personnel are working around the clock at the Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, which is currently on emergency alert related to Air India Flight crash.

Emergency numbers and support centers have been established at Ahmedabad Airport for families of passengers onboarded in Air India Flight Crashed. A temporary command center is monitoring coordination between airport officials, the Air Traffic Control (ATC), and rescue teams.

Political Reactions and Public Grief

Leaders across party lines have expressed shock and grief. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel tweeted:

“Deeply saddened by the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are monitoring rescue operations closely.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the nation shortly. Several international embassies have also sought details, given the number of foreign nationals who might have been aboard the London-bound flight.

Past Incidents and Air India’s Track Record

While Air India has significantly improved its safety record in recent years, this incident marks one of the deadliest crashes in recent Indian aviation history since the Air India Express crash in Kozhikode (2020). Investigators will examine black box recordings, pilot communication logs, weather conditions, and possible technical malfunctions to determine the exact cause.

Conclusion: Nation Waits for Clarity

As India reels from the shock of the Air India Flight Crash, attention now turns to survivors, victims, and their families. With over 240 lives affected, this crash could leave a lasting mark on both the aviation sector and public trust. Updates on survivors, casualties, and official inquiries are awaited as the day unfolds.

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