AHMEDABAD : Air India Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed near the Ahmedabad airport around 1:45 PM local time, minutes after departure. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft was carrying 242 people on board, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick plumes of black smoke rising from the Adani-operated airport premises, with visibility of the smoke stretching to areas like Dharpur and Meghaninagar. The crash site was quickly surrounded by fire engines, ambulances, and police as emergency response teams began rescue operations.

The impact occurred at or near the IGB Ground adjacent to the airport. While official confirmation on casualties is awaited, media sources indicate that over 100 passengers may have perished. Injured survivors are being rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment.

Air India has confirmed the incident and stated it is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation by aviation authorities. A passenger hotline has been activated at 1800 5691 444 to assist families and provide updated information.

As the nation reels from the shock, questions remain about the cause of the crash, which reportedly happened during take-off. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to initiate a thorough probe into the tragedy.

More details to follow as the situation unfolds.

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