The Ahmedabad city police commissioner has said there appears to be no survivors after an Air India plane crashed moments after takeoff on June 12.
“It appears there are no survivors in the plane crash,” Commissioner G.S. Malik told The Associated Press.
“Exact figures on casualties are being ascertained.”
Air India’s AI 171 flight was bound for London Gatwick, and was expected to touch down in the UK 6:25 pm local time this evening.
However, the plane crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar, after taking off from India’s Ahmedabad Airport and authorities have confirmed the aircraft crashed on a medical college hostel.
The plane crashed shortly after takeoff (Twitter)
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Air India, has released a statement in recent hours, offering his condolences to those affected.
He said: “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight, AI171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.
“At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.
“Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families.”
The airline themselves stated that out of the passenger on board, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are from Britain, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals.
The police commissioner has said there appears to be no survivors (Sky News)
India Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Twitter that ‘the tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us’.
“It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,” he added.
Meanwhile, the British prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, commented on the ‘devastating’ incident, saying: “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.
“I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
Horrifying video footage of the crash has circulated online in recent hours, which the plane making a rapid descent before a massive explosion.
A subsequent fire has resulted in a large plume of smoke rising into the sky near the airport.
Featured Image Credit: BBC
