Air India flight crashes in Ahmedabad, all 242 on board killed

(Web Desk): In the Indian city of Ahmedabad, a government-owned Air India passenger plane has crashed, killing all 242 people on board.

According to Indian media, the aircraft crashed near Ahmedabad Airport in the state of Gujarat. It was carrying 242 individuals, including 12 crew members. Former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani, was also reportedly on board the ill-fated flight.

The plane was en route from Ahmedabad Airport to London when it crashed just seconds after takeoff.

Indian media reports say the aircraft carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, one Canadian, seven Portuguese citizens, and 11 children.

According to reports, Air India flight AI-171 took off from Ahmedabad Airport but only reached an altitude of 625 feet at a speed of 322 km/h before crashing due to technical failure.

The plane reportedly crashed into a doctors’ hostel, although there is no immediate information about casualties on the ground.

Videos from the crash site have emerged, showing thick smoke rising from the area.

The incident occurred between 1:00 and 2:00 AM Indian time. Following the crash, all flight operations at Ahmedabad Airport were suspended, and emergency was declared in local hospitals.

Flight tracking data indicates that communication with the aircraft was lost less than a minute after takeoff, at an altitude of 625 feet.

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated that the pilot issued a "Mayday" distress call at 1:39 AM, moments before the crash.

Media reports also reveal that the aircraft involved was a Boeing 787, and it was 11 years old.