Ahmedabad-London Plane Crash Reactions | Live Updates: An Air India plane crashed moments after take-off on Thursday afternoon with 244 people on board. Only one of the 242 passengers on board survived the crash after being thrown from the plane.
The pilot had issued a mayday call soon after departure — just before the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner plummeted into a residential area. Visuals shared online show the aircraft flying low in the sky before falling to the ground and exploding into flames. The DGCA quoted Air Traffic Control to confirm that the plane had departed from runway 23 in Ahmadabad at 1:39 pm.
“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,” the DGCA confirmed.
PM Modi takes stock
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken stock of the incident soon after the crash — speaking to both Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah. Officials said the PM had 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. Political leaders across the spectrum have also shared condolence messages following the tragedy.
Air India sets up emergency centre
Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran released a statement soon after the crash to confirm the accident. The company has said that it is “doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted”. It has also activated an emergency centre and set up support teams for families seeking information.
“With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families,” he wrote.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash Reactions Live Updates: UK govt working with Indian authorities, releases helpline number
The UK government said that it was aware of the plane crash and was working with local authorities.
“The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved. British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000,” it added.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash Reactions Live Updates: Gautam Adani ‘deeply saddened’ by incident, says ‘working closely with authorities’
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy of Air India Flight 171. Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered an unimaginable loss. We are working closely with all authorities and extending full support to the families on the ground,” he wrote o X.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash Reactions Live Updates: Air India confirms ‘devastating incident’, Chairman N Chandrasekaran says…
“With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted. Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information,” said Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash Reactions Live Updates: PM Modi takes stock, Home Minister Amit Shah asked to visit site
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah to take stock of the situation. The Civil Aviation Minister informed the Prime Minister that he is rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground, the Civil Aviation Ministry said.
As per sources, the PM has asked both ministers to rush to Ahmedabad and ensure all possible assistance is extended to those affected in the wake of the air mishap The Prime Minister has directed the Minister to ensure all necessary support is extended immediately and asked to be kept regularly updated on the situation, they said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to the Gujarat Chief Minister and promised all Central assistance.