London-bound plane with 242 people crashes in India

An Air India flight crashed on Thursday shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.

Agencies reports stated that the London-bound flight had over 242 passengers on board. Union home minister Amit Shah spoke to the Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel assuring all assistance from the central government.

“Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from (Ahmedabad to Gatwick) has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar,” Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) informed.

Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered “immediate rescue and relief work and arrange for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing.” Additionally, NDRF team is conducting rescue operations.