Ahmedabad (Gujarat): An Air India flight bound for London’s Gatwick airport crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, June 12.

AI171, carrying 242 passengers, went down within five minutes of departure at 1:38 PM, sending up plumes of smoke near the crash site.

Emergency services, including fire brigades, rushed to the scene. Three NDRF teams with 90 personnel were dispatched from Gandhinagar, with additional teams en route from Vadodara.

Tata Group, which owns Air India, issued its first official confirmation of the crash. Group chairperson N Chandrasekaran expressed grief over the tragedy:

“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.”

He added that the company’s immediate priority was supporting the victims and their families. “An emergency centre has been activated and support teams have been set up for families seeking information,” Chandrasekaran said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been briefed on the situation and has spoken to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and senior officials, assuring full central assistance in the wake of the crash.

Further details are awaited as rescue and recovery operations continue.