On Thursday, an Air India passenger plane en route to London, carrying 242 individuals, crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabad, India. Video evidence depicts the aircraft flying at a low altitude over a populated area before crashing, resulting in a large explosion at the crash site.
According to police, there are unlikely to be any survivors. Local news sources indicate that the plane collided with a medical college building near Ahmedabad’s airport. Reportedly, several individuals inside the building died in the incident, and numerous others sustained injuries.
Reports on Thursday morning indicated that the aircraft held 169 Indian citizens, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian citizen.
How did the crash in Ahmedabad unfold?
The aircraft departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at an unspecified time. Initial concerns arose when Air India announced that the plane had been “involved in an accident.”
FlightRadar, a service providing real-time flight updates, showed that the flight signal ceased shortly after takeoff. Contact with the aircraft was lost soon after.
A significant burst of flames erupted from the crash location, followed by the arrival of emergency responders. Images from the scene reveal substantial damage to nearby structures, with debris and wreckage scattered throughout the area. The tail section of the plane remained partially intact on top of a building.
What are the details of the flight?
The Air India flight carried 242 people, including 10 crew members.
The flight was scheduled to arrive at London Gatwick Airport at approximately 6:25 p.m. local time on Thursday evening.
An aviation expert suggested that the pilot issued a mayday call before the crash, indicating awareness of an issue with the aircraft.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, local news reported that the pilot, Sumeet Sabharwal, had accumulated 8,200 flight hours, while the co-pilot, Clive Kundar, had 1,100 hours.
Reports indicate this is the first ever crash involving a Boeing 787-8 aircraft. A Boeing representative stated they are aware of the initial reports and are gathering further information.
Boeing has experienced a history of notable crashes. This recent incident follows a settlement reached with the U.S. Department of Justice a month prior, aimed at avoiding prosecution for two crashes in 2018 and 2019 that resulted in 346 fatalities.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport resumed operations around 4 p.m. local time, just hours after the crash.
How are lawmakers and other leaders reacting?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the crash as a “tragedy,” expressing his shock and sadness.
He stated, “It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. I have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also conveyed his condolences.
Starmer said he was receiving updates on the developing situation and that his thoughts were with the passengers and their families during this deeply distressing time.
King Charles III issued an official statement expressing his shock at the events in Ahmedabad. “My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning. Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathies are with the families and friends of all those affected,” he said. “I would like to pay a particular tribute to the heroic efforts of the emergency services and all those providing help and support at this most heartbreaking and traumatic time.”
India’s Civil Aviation Minister expressed being “deeply shocked and saddened” by the incident and indicated that “all aviation and emergency response agencies have been directed to take rapid and coordinated action.”
Canadian Prime Minister expressed sadness upon learning of the incident. He stated, “My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board. Canada’s transportation officials are in close contact with counterparts and I am receiving regular updates as the response to this tragedy unfolds.”
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro conveyed his dismay upon learning of the tragic plane crash in India, in which seven Portuguese citizens were travelling. He expressed his condolences and deep solidarity with the families of the victims on behalf of himself and the Government.
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