ReutersShortly after taking off in Ahmedabad, western India, Air India’s plane crashed toward Gatwick, London.
More than 240 people were flying when the airline was involved in what the airline called a “tragic accident.”
Details are still on the scene. So far, this is what we know.
When and where did the plane crash?
Air India left Air India flight AI171 at 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT) and left Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.
It is scheduled to land in London at 18:25 BST.
The plane crashed while leaving Ahmedabad – all operations have been suspended since then.
Central Industrial Security Force/IndiaAccording to data from the flight tracking website Flighttradar24, the aircraft’s signal was lost “less than a minute after takeoff”.
Flight tracking data ends at a plane at an altitude of 625 feet (190m).
India’s aviation regulator said the plane made a Mayday call for air traffic control. Since then, the plane has not responded.
It crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar. Police told ANI News that it had hit the doctor’s hotel.
A woman at the scene told Ani that her son jumped off the second floor of the hotel and was injured when the plane crashed.
Verified video shot in central Ahmedabad shows huge black smoke in the sky.
Roxy Gagdekar of the BBC said people near the scene were saving as many lives as possible.
He said the emergency services were involved in the rescue operation and tried to put out the fire and described the bodies taken from the area.
“We lost a lot of people” said Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesman for the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Police Chief GS Malik of Ahmedabad said there appeared to be no “survivors” in the crash and that “some locals” would also die given where the plane landed.
The number of casualties has not been officially confirmed.
Who is on the boat?
According to Air India, there were 242 passengers and crew members on board.
These included 53 British nationals, 169 Indian nationals, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals.
Aircraft – Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner – There are 256 seats on board.
Air India said the injured were taken to the nearest hospital.
The chief minister of Gujarat said officials have been directed to carry out “immediate rescue and relief operations” and to make arrangements “on the basis of war”.
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of Air India, said the “emergency center has been activated” and provided support teams for families seeking information.
What do we know about aircraft?
The aircraft involved was the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, and the first time it landed like this by Air India.
The model was launched 14 years ago. Just six weeks ago, Boeing praised the fact that it had reached a milestone with a billion passengers.
According to its website, Air India has a fleet of more than 190 aircraft.
“We are in contact with Air India flight 171 and are ready to support them. Our idea is to work with passengers, crew, first responders and all those affected,” Boeing said in a statement.
What did the airline and the authorities say?
Air India confirmed on X that the flight “had an accident today after taking off”.
It said it is working fully with authorities to investigate the crash and will provide further updates and set up a dedicated passenger hotline to provide more information: 1800 5691 444
“We are doing our best to assist the emergency response team on site and provide all necessary support and care to those affected,” Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of the airline, said in a statement.
A spokesman for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport said all operations have been suspended until further notice and they advised passengers to contact their airline before heading to the airport.
APThe Indian Air Minister said he had directed “all aviation and emergency agencies to take swift and coordinated actions”.
Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjaparu added to X: “The rescue team has been mobilized and has made all efforts to ensure medical assistance and relief support are brought to the scene.”
Gatwick Airport said a reception center for passenger relatives is being established to provide information and to have close contact with Air India.
It said on X: “British nationals who need consular assistance or are concerned about friends or family should call 0207 008 5000.”
How did India and the UK react?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the crash was “shocked and sad”.
“It’s heartbreaking,” he said in one. Statement on x He has been in touch with officials to help affected people stay in touch, added.
British Prime Minister Sir Kyle Starmer said the scene in Ahmedabad was “destructive”.
“I’m getting the latest news as the situation develops and my idea is to be with the passengers and their families during this painful time,” he said.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the UK is working with local authorities in India to “hurry to build facts” and provide support.
The king said he and Queen Camilla were “very shocked by the horrific events in Ahmedabad this morning” and expressed sympathy to those affected.
“I want to pay tribute to the heroic efforts of emergency services and to all those who have helped and supported this most heartbreaking and painful time,” he said in a statement.
