AI-171 flight to London with 242 onboard crashes near Ahmedabad airport; at least 60 charred bodies recovered
Crash shortly after takeoff: A London-bound Air India flight (AI171), a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed near Meghaninagar in Ahmedabad around 2 p.m. local time on Thursday, shortly after departing from Ahmedabad International Airport.
At least 60 bodies recovered: At least 60 charred bodies have been recovered from the crash site, including ten that was recovered from a medical college hostel, near which the flight went down.
Flight details: The aircraft was reportedly carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. It was operated by Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, a long-term captain with 8,200 flying hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours.
According to reports, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was initially listed among the passengers, but sources close to him told TNIE he was not on board and had taken a different flight.
Distress call: According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft departed at 13:39 IST and issued a 'MAYDAY' call before losing contact. The plane crashed just outside the airport perimeter after reaching an altitude of about 825 feet.
Smoke and wreckage: Heavy black smoke was seen rising from the crash site near Forensic Cross Road. Visuals from local crews show extensive wreckage and fire. Firefighters and rescue personnel are on site conducting evacuation and containment.
Official response: Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said he was 'shocked and devastated' and is personally monitoring the response. 'All efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are rushed to the site.'
Deputy Commissioner of Police Kanan Desai confirmed casualty assessment is underway. Fire officer Jayesh Khadia said multiple tenders were rushed to control the blaze.
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