Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 12 (ANI): Air India has confirmed that Flight AI171, bound for Gatwick Airport in London, was involved in a fatal accident shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which departed Ahmedabad at 1:38 p.m. IST, was carrying a total of 242 individuals, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Among the passengers, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British nationals, 7 were Portuguese, and 1 was Canadian.
In an official statement, the airline said:
“Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after takeoff. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.”
The crash occurred near the Meghaninagar area shortly after the aircraft took off from Runway 23. A senior official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that the aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with 8,200 hours of flying experience. He was accompanied by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of experience. The aircraft issued a MAYDAY call shortly after departure but did not respond to any further communication from air traffic control.
Thick plumes of black smoke were seen rising from the crash site, and fire tenders were immediately deployed to the location.
Due to the incident, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has suspended all flight operations until further notice.
Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, who was in Vijayawada attending the first anniversary events of the NDA government, rushed to Ahmedabad upon receiving the news. “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on the highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action,” he stated. “Rescue teams have been mobilized, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”
An Operational Control Room has been activated at the Ministry of Civil Aviation to coordinate ongoing rescue, relief, and investigation efforts. (ANI)
Links to related post: https://indiathisweek.us/air-india-plane-crashes/
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