An Air India aircraft carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed near Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat, India, on Thursday afternoon, with fears that there are no survivors from the horrific accident.
Ahmedabad City Police Commissioner G.S. Malik confirmed the incident to the Associated Press (AP) on Thursday (June 12), stating, "It appears there are no survivors in the plane crash."
He further added that had the plane crashed in an office or residential area, local residents would also have perished. The accurate casualty figures are currently being confirmed.
According to Indian media reports, Air India Flight AI 171 had departed from Ahmedabad airport bound for London. However, the Boeing 787-8 Quickjet series flight crashed shortly after takeoff.
The ill-fated flight was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 UK citizens, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals. Before the crash, the pilots sent a 'Mayday call,' an emergency signal typically sent during distress, but contact was lost thereafter, India's aviation regulatory body confirmed.
Prime Minister Modi Expresses Grief
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow on X (formerly Twitter), writing, "The accident in Ahmedabad has shocked and saddened us. The heartbreak is beyond words. In this moment of grief, I express my condolences to all those affected by the plane crash. I have been in contact with ministers and local authorities to provide assistance to the victims."
Gujarat Chief Minister Orders Swift Action
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also expressed his condolences over the plane crash, writing on X, "I am deeply saddened by the Air India passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. Officials have been directed to undertake immediate rescue and relief operations, as well as arrange for the treatment of injured passengers on a war footing."
He further added that instructions have been given to arrange a green corridor to transport injured passengers to hospitals and to ensure all necessary medical arrangements in hospitals are prioritized.
