Ahmedabad (National Times): A tragic air disaster struck today when Air India Flight carrying 242 passengers crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport en route to London. The Gujarat State Police Control Room confirmed the incident.
According to information, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick) has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar, said Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
DGCA also stated that “Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience. As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmadabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site.”
The aircraft departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport earlier this morning and reportedly crashed nearby soon after takeoff. Details from Ahmedabad International Airport indicate that the plane had been cleared on schedule but veered off course during its initial ascent.
The exact location of the crash site is confirmed to be Meghaninagar near. The local authorities are rapidly mobilizing rescue and emergency teams to respond.
