Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Updates
An Air India flight, AI171, crashed just minutes after departing Ahmedabad for London with 242 passengers. Air India flight AI171 was near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport when the crash took place. Police officials estimate that there is little chance of survivors.
The flight was headed to London’s Gatwick Airport and crashed in a residential area, likely resulting in additional casualties. Ahmedabad police commissioner GS Malik said:
“With the latest information, we are unable to identify survivors. More people will be dead when we find out that the flight itself crashed in a residential and commercial area.”
Videos on social media showed large clouds of thick smoke and a devastated parking lot about five minutes after takeoff.
Details of the passengers on board:
169 Indian nationals
53 British nationals
7 Portuguese nationals
1 Canadian National
It is thought that former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani may have been on board this flight.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken note of this unfortunate incident and directed rescue and relief work to start immediately.
Ram Mohan Naidu and Amit Shah, civil aviation ministers, are on their way to Ahmedabad.
Important Notes:
Air India has confirmed that flight AI171 had 242 passengers on board.
There were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian on board.
Emergency numbers have been published:
Ministry of Civil Aviation: 011-24610843 | 9650391859
Air India Helpline: 1800 5691 444
Ahmedabad Police: 07925620359
Ahmedabad Airport, which closed temporarily, is back to normal after the crash.
