Air India releases statement as plane heading to UK with 242 people on board crashes after take off

A plane headed to London has tragically crashed while making a journey from Ahmedabad airport in western India earlier this morning (12 June).

In a statement posted on social media, Air India said: “The Boeing 787-8 aircraft had 242 passengers and crew members on board.”

It has since been confirmed that the flight, which was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration VT-ANB, was scheduled to fly at 09:50 local time, and was intended to arrive at 18:25.

Signal was reportedly lost at 625 feet in the air, however, at 10:08.

According to the BBC, India's aviation minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, has said that the appropriate authorities 'on highest alert', and that 'rescue teams have been mobilised'. The official has also declared that the crash occurred just 'outside the airport perimeter'.

"I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action," Kinjarapu has since declared in a statement, adding that he is 'shocked and devastated'.

"Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site."

He continued: "My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families."

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Air India, also released a statement shortly after the news broke: "With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight, AI 171 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."

He continued: "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."

The statement concluded: "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."

Bhupendra Patel - the Chief Minister of Gujarat, where Ahmedabad is state capital - has since penned an emotional statement, also taking to X.

"I am deeply saddened by the accident of the Air India passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad," he wrote. "I have instructed the officials to take immediate rescue and relief operations in the accident and to make arrangements for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing.

"I have also instructed to arrange a green corridor to take the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all the treatment arrangements in the hospital on priority.

"The Honorable Union Home Minister Shri Amitbhai Shah has also spoken to me and assured full support of the NDRF teams and the Central Government for the rescue and relief operations in this plane crash."

Several videos of what is reported to be the plane crash have since started circulating on social media, indicating that the plane had fallen into a residential area, with black fumes emerging from the site.

The footage also shows several people being moved away from the area in stretchers, and taken away in an ambulance.