Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 12: The London-bound Air India flight AI171 crashed into a doctors’ hostel building near the Ahmedabad airport shortly after takeoff on Thursday, a senior Ahmedabad police official confirmed. The crash has resulted in massive damage, and intensive rescue operations are currently underway.
“After takeoff, the plane crashed into a building identified as a doctors’ hostel. Immediately after the incident, all concerned authorities rushed to the spot. Around 70 to 80 percent of the crash site has been cleared. We urge the public to cooperate with us, especially in maintaining a green corridor to allow ambulances to move swiftly,” the senior officer said.
The aircraft was carrying 242 individuals, including 12 crew members, when it crashed in the Meghani Nagar area shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) at 1:38 PM.
Rescue and relief efforts are being conducted at full scale. The Gujarat government has mobilised three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams comprising 90 personnel from Gandhinagar to support the ongoing operation.
In response to the emergency, Ahmedabad City Police have also released a dedicated helpline number for the public: 079-25620359, providing access to police emergency services and vital updates related to the crash.
Due to the crash, flight operations at Ahmedabad airport have been suspended until further notice. The airport spokesperson urged passengers to check with their airlines before heading to the airport and assured that updates would be shared as the situation progresses.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that a full-scale investigation is underway. According to officials, the plane made a mayday call but lost contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC) shortly after.