30 killed as Air India plane crashes in Ahmedabad

KABUL (Pajhwok): At least 30 people were killed when an Air India plane bound for London crashed shortly after taking off from the airport in India’s Ahmedabad city on Thursday, media reports said.

The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was en route to Gatwick Airport, south of London, with 242 people on board, Air India confirmed.

The flight included 217 adults, 11 children, and two infants. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.

According to Reuters, the aircraft went down in a densely populated residential area near the airport, crashing into a building that houses a doctors’ hostel.

“Around 70% to 80% of the area has been cleared, and we are working to clear the rest,” a senior police officer told reporters at the scene.

Rescue workers have so far recovered between 30 and 35 bodies, with many others feared trapped in the rubble. Injured victims are being transported to nearby hospitals, Air India said in a statement posted on X.

The crash took place moments after takeoff, with television footage showing the plane soaring above a residential neighborhood before disappearing from view. Seconds later, a massive plume of fire and smoke was seen rising into the sky.

Flightradar24, an aviation tracking service, confirmed the aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner—one of the most advanced commercial jets in operation.

India’s Civil Aviation Ministry stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed officials to provide full support to the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

Air India said it is currently working to ascertain further details and will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.

sa/ma