Airplane carrying over 200 passengers crashes shortly after takeoff as footage shows plumes of smoke
A plane travelling from India to the UK has crashed and footage shows plumes of smoke rising from the crash site.
Authorities have confirmed flight AI171, that was travelling from Ahmedabad in India to London Gatwick, has crashed not long after taking off.
Indian authorities have confirmed that over 240 passengers were on board the plane but have not said how many fatalities there have been.
Flight tracking website, Flightradar, stated the Air India plane's final flight signal was received just seconds after takeoff and was lost at 10.08am local time, less than a minute after taking off.
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The London-bound plane crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the director general of the Directorate of Civil Aviation, has told the Associated Press.
He added that of the 242 on board, 230 were passengers and 12 were crew members.
Rescue teams have been mobilized and emergency services are already on the scene, with some people reportedly being seen taken away on stretchers.
A fire following the crash has resulted in a large plume of smoke rising into the sky near the airport.
India's civil aviation minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, has commented on the incident.
He said: “I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.
“Rescue teams have been mobilized, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.
"My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families."
The Chairman of the airline, N Chandrasekaran, has also issued a statement and offered his condolences, saying this appears to be a 'tragic accident.'
He said: “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight, AI171 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.
"At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.
"Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families”
London Gatwick airport has confirmed that flight AI171 was scheduled to arrive 6:25 P.M local time.
The Ahmedabad airport has also issued a statement and given an update following the plane crash and instructions for those who had flights booked.
The statement read: "Flight AI 171 from Ahedebad to London, Gatwick, earlier today, was involved in a crash shortly after takeoff, outside the airpott.
“As a result, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, (Ahedabad), is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice.
“Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport. We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation.”
UNILAD has contacted Gatwick Airport for comment.
Topics: News, UK News, World News, Air India
Gerrard Kaonga