Police commissioner says there appears to be no survivors after airplane with 242 on board crashes shortly after takeoff

The Ahmedabad city police commissioner has said there appears to be 'no survivors' after an Air India plane crashed moments after takeoff on June 12.

Air India's AI 171 flight was bound for London Gatwick, and was expected to touch down in the UK at 6:25 pm local time this evening.

However, the plane crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar after taking off from India's Ahmedabad Airport. Authorities have since confirmed that the aircraft crashed into a medical college hostel.

According to Air India, there were 242 passengers and crew members on board the plane. The airline said: "Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals."

The plane crashed shortly after takeoff (Sky News)

Commissioner G.S. Malik, of the Ahmedabad city police, has now given an update on the incident, telling The Associated Press: "It appears there are no survivors in the plane crash.

"Exact figures on casualties are being ascertained."

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Air India, has released a statement in recent hours, offering his condolences to those affected.

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."

The police commissioner has said there appears to be no survivors (Sky News)

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Twitter that 'the tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us'.

"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," he added.

Meanwhile, the British prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, commented on the 'devastating' incident, saying: "The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.

"I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time."

Horrifying video footage of the crash has circulated online in recent hours, which shows the plane making a rapid descent before what appears to be a massive explosion.

A subsequent fire has resulted in a large plume of smoke rising into the sky near the airport.