Plane Carrying 242 Crashes Minutes After Takeoff - Police Fear No Survivors

A major airline disaster has rocked India and the UK after a London-bound Air India flight crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, killing everyone on board, according to early reports.

Air India Flight AI171 had just taken off on the morning of June 12, heading for London Gatwick, where it was expected to arrive at 6:25 p.m. local time. However, just moments after becoming airborne, the aircraft lost control and came down in a densely populated residential area of Meghani Nagar, near Ahmedabad Airport.

The crash site, authorities later confirmed, includes part of a medical college hostel, adding to the chaos on the ground as emergency services scrambled to respond.

Police Commissioner G.S. Malik, speaking to The Associated Press, was blunt about the outcome:

“It appears there are no survivors in the plane crash,” he said, adding that rescue teams were still working through the wreckage to confirm final casualty numbers. “Exact figures on casualties are being ascertained.”

There were 242 people on board, including passengers and crew. In a statement released by Air India, the airline confirmed that the majority of the passengers were Indian nationals, with 169 listed. The manifest also included 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens.

Footage recorded by locals and shared online has shown the plane making a steep and rapid descent before disappearing behind buildings and bursting into flames. A thick cloud of smoke could be seen rising over the area, visible for several kilometers.

The plane crashed soon after leaving the runway.

Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran released a formal statement expressing the company’s shock and sorrow.

“With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India flight AI171 operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today,” he said. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”

He went on to say that the airline’s immediate priority is to support the victims’ families and cooperate with emergency services.

“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,” he added.

A dedicated emergency center has already been activated, and support teams have been dispatched to coordinate aid for families.

Sky News

According to the police commissioner, no survivors are expected to be found.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted about the crash on social media, calling the tragedy “stunning and saddening.” He added:

“It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. I have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also issued a statement, calling the situation “devastating.” He noted that many British citizens were on board and said he was receiving regular updates.

“The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,” Starmer said. “My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”Sky News

Rescue teams continue to comb through the debris as investigators begin to piece together what went wrong. The cause of the crash is still unknown. Officials have yet to release details about the plane’s technical condition or any last communications from the cockpit.

Until more is confirmed, authorities are urging the public to avoid speculation. In the meantime, many families in India, the UK, and beyond are waiting anxiously for official updates.

Aviation Safety Insights

Aviation safety expert Maximilian W. Schreiber emphasizes the importance of thorough pre-flight inspections and adherence to maintenance protocols to mitigate risks. He notes that human error is often a significant factor in aviation accidents.

Schreiber highlights that investing in advanced technology for aircraft monitoring can enhance safety. For instance, real-time data analytics can provide critical insights into equipment performance, enabling timely interventions before problems escalate.

He advocates for regular training for pilots and crew to ensure that they respond effectively to emergencies, further reducing potential risks.

Following this tragic incident, Dr. Atul Gawande, a renowned surgeon and author, stresses the need for improved emergency response protocols in densely populated areas. He notes that swift and coordinated responses can save lives in the aftermath of such disasters.

Dr. Gawande suggests that local authorities conduct regular drills simulating aircraft accidents to enhance readiness and response capabilities. This practice not only prepares first responders but also helps communities understand their role in emergency situations.

He emphasizes that community resilience and preparedness can significantly decrease casualties during such unforeseen events.

Building Healthier Patterns

In reviewing this catastrophic event, it’s crucial to prioritize comprehensive safety protocols and community preparedness. Insights from experts like Dr. Gawande underscore the importance of structured emergency response training that can dramatically improve outcomes in crisis situations.

As aviation professionals continue to analyze the causes of such tragedies, implementing more rigorous safety checks and training programs will be essential in preventing future incidents. By fostering a culture of safety and preparedness, we can work towards a future where air travel is both efficient and secure for everyone.