Plane Carrying 242 Crashes Minutes After Takeoff - Police Fear No Survivors
A major airline disaster has rocked India and the UK, after a London-bound Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing everyone on board, according to early reports.
Air India Flight AI171 had just taken off on the morning of June 12, heading for London Gatwick, where it was expected to arrive at 6:25 p.m. local time. But just moments after becoming airborne, the aircraft lost control and came down in a densely populated residential area of Meghani Nagar, near Ahmedabad Airport.
The crash site, authorities later confirmed, includes part of a medical college hostel, adding to the chaos on the ground as emergency services scrambled to respond.
Police commissioner G.S. Malik, speaking to The Associated Press, was blunt about the outcome:
“It appears there are no survivors in the plane crash,” he said, adding that rescue teams were still working through the wreckage to confirm final casualty numbers. "Exact figures on casualties are being ascertained."
There were 242 people on board, passengers and crew combined. In a statement released by Air India, the airline confirmed that the majority of the passengers were Indian nationals, with 169 listed. The manifest also included 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens.
Footage recorded by locals and shared online has shown the plane making a steep and rapid descent before disappearing behind buildings and bursting into flames. A thick cloud of smoke could be seen rising over the area, visible for several kilometers.
The plane crashed soon after leaving the runway.
Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran released a formal statement expressing the company’s shock and sorrow.
“With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight AI171 operating Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today,” he said. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”
He went on to say the airline’s immediate priority is to support the victims’ families and cooperate with emergency services.
“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,” he added.
A dedicated emergency center has already been activated, and support teams have been dispatched to coordinate aid for families.
According to the police commissioner, no survivors are expected to be found.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted about the crash on social media, calling the tragedy “stunning and saddening.” He added:
“It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also issued a statement, calling the situation “devastating.” He noted that many British citizens were on board and said he was receiving regular updates.
“The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,” Starmer said. “My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
Rescue teams continue to comb through the debris as investigators begin to piece together what went wrong. The cause of the crash is still unknown. Officials have yet to release details about the plane’s technical condition or any last communications from the cockpit.
Until more is confirmed, authorities are urging the public to avoid speculation. In the meantime, many families in India, the UK, and beyond are waiting anxiously for official updates.
