An Air India flight carrying at least 242 people crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in western India on Thursday, according to initial reports from the airline and police authorities.
The aircraft, which was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport, went down in a civilian area near the airport, though details on fatalities or injuries have not yet been officially confirmed.
“At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates,” Air India posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Television footage aired soon after the incident showed scenes of flaming wreckage, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Emergency response teams were seen transporting injured passengers on stretchers, with several ambulances arriving at the crash site.
According to news agency ANI, the Gujarat Police Control Room confirmed that all 242 passengers and crew were on board at the time of the crash.
The precise cause of the crash remains unknown, and authorities are expected to launch an immediate investigation.
