The ill-fated aircraft AI 171 was an Air India flight operating a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The plane was en route from Ahmedabad to London but crashed during takeoff. A total of 242 people were on board. Flight AI-171 took off at 1:38 PM and crashed just two minutes later at 1:40 PM. The crash occurred near the Air Customs Cargo Office, adjacent to the airport campus. As the aircraft went down, thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the area.
Injured passengers are being brought to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. The incident occurred between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Police and ambulances reached the site immediately after the crash. The injured were taken on stretchers to the hospital. Authorities have also diverted traffic in the area. The number of injured or deceased passengers has not been confirmed yet.
Debris from the crash is scattered at the site, and fire services along with other agencies are engaged in rescue and investigation efforts. A video of the plane crash has also surfaced, showing that the aircraft was destroyed within seconds of impact.
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Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also on board the flight, traveling to London. He has been seriously injured in the accident. A neighbor from Rajkot mentioned that his wife, Anjaliben, has been in London for the past six months, and Rupani was flying there to bring her back. Now the entire family is deeply worried.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is heading to Ahmedabad following the incident. All flights from Ahmedabad Airport have been cancelled after the crash. The aircraft had 52 British nationals on board.