Over 200 people are believed to have been killed in a major Air India airplane crash on Thursday. The airplane crash occurred shortly after the Air India passenger airplane departed for London from an airport in Ahmedabad, India.
According to Fox News, Air India flight AI 171, which has been identified as a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed into the Meghani Nagar residential area of Ahmedabad just five minutes after taking off and departing for London’s Gatwick Airport at roughly 1:38 p.m. (local time). The outlet noted that there were 242 passengers and crew members on the airplane at the time of the crash.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik told The Associated Press, “It appears there are no survivors in the plane crash.” “As the plane has fallen in a residential area which also had offices, some locals would have also died,” Malik added. “Exact figures on casualties are being ascertained.”
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said, “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”
Air India confirmed that 242 passengers and crew members were on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on Thursday, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. Air India also noted that individuals injured as a result of the airplane crash are being transported to local hospitals.
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A senior police official told Reuters, “The building on which it has crashed is a doctors’ hostel… we have cleared almost 70% to 80% of the area and will clear the rest soon.” According to Reuters, police officials also confirmed that over 100 bodies had been taken to a hospital for autopsies.
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. “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.”
In a Thursday statement, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that it was in communication with the National Transportation Safety (NTSB) regarding the airplane “accident” in India.
“When an international incident occurs, that government leads the investigation,” the FAA said. “In the event assistance is requested, the NTSB is the official U.S. representative and the FAA provides technical support.”
A video shared on social media shows the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashing in India on Thursday.
