Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner passenger plane operated by Air India, the country’s flagship carrier, crashed shortly after takeoff in the western city of Ahmedabad on Thursday, according to Indian news media.
Air India confirmed that one of its flights from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick Airport had been involved in “an incident” on Thursday.
The aircraft, which the airline said was Flight AI171, appeared to have crashed shortly after taking off, according to the local news media.
The plane crashed shortly after takeoff and disappeared from Radar at the point marked Red on the above map. This is a residential area. At least 242 people were on board the flight bound for London when it crashed in India’s Ahmedabad.
This is breaking news.
India’s civil aviation minister has said he is “shocked and devastated” by the plane crash.
“I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action,” Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said.
“Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”
The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.
The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals.
News just in is that there was one survivor, a British National named as Ramesh Vishwaskumar who walked away from the crash.
Killeigh Media 