An Air India flight bound for London crashed during take-off near Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday afternoon, triggering a large-scale emergency response. Initial visuals showed thick smoke clouds billowing from the Meghaninagar–Dharpur area, not far from the airport.
While early reports had suggested around 250 passengers on board, officials later confirmed that approximately 133 people were aboard the ill-fated aircraft. The incident occurred at approximately 2:10 PM IST, and the cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Emergency teams, including fire brigade units and disaster response personnel, rushed to the scene. Rescue operations are ongoing, with efforts focused on locating survivors and extinguishing the blaze.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to Gujarat Chief Minister and the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner, seeking an update on the situation and instructing full-scale rescue measures. The government is actively monitoring developments, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to begin a detailed probe.
Local residents described hearing a loud explosion followed by heavy smoke. The crash site, located near densely populated areas, has been cordoned off for safety and investigation.
Authorities have urged the public not to spread unverified information and to stay clear of the site to facilitate swift emergency operations. More official updates are expected soon as the situation unfolds.
Read also;