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A London-bound Air India flight, carrying 242 passengers and crew, tragically crashed moments after departing Ahmedabad's airport on Thursday, June 12. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was en route to Gatwick Airport when it plummeted into the residential area of Meghani Nagar, just five minutes after takeoff at 1:38 p.m. local time.
According to Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, director general of India's Directorate of Civil Aviation, the aircraft's abrupt descent resulted in significant casualties. Indian health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda confirmed multiple fatalities, underscoring the severity of the incident.
Air India promptly acknowledged the crash via social media, detailing the diverse nationality of those on board—169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese. Immediate rescue efforts mobilized injured survivors to nearby hospitals, while authorities worked tirelessly to manage the aftermath.
India's aviation minister, Shri. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, expressed deep concern, ensuring comprehensive emergency responses were swiftly deployed. "Rescue teams have been mobilized, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site," he stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The tragedy prompted global condolences, with Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran conveying heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. "At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families," Chandrasekaran remarked, highlighting the airline's commitment to facilitating necessary support and updates.
Gatwick Airport confirmed the flight's expected arrival time before the crash, marking a devastating turn of events as the plane failed to reach its destination. The impact of the crash extended beyond the loss of life onboard, impacting the surrounding residential and commercial areas.
In response to the incident, global aviation and emergency agencies remained on high alert, collaborating to manage the aftermath effectively. The precise details of the casualties and the extent of property damage are under ongoing investigation, reflecting the complexity of the situation.
