An Air India flight which was en path to London Gatwick has crashed in India.
Not less than 242 folks have been on board the flight when it crashed within the northwestern Indian metropolis of Ahmedabad, police have mentioned.
Greater than 50 of the passengers are British nationals.
Here’s what we all know to date.
The place did the airplane crash?
Air India flight AI171 took off from Ahmedabad Airport at 1.38pm native time on Thursday.
Minutes after take-off, it crashed right into a residential space referred to as Meghani Nagar, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the director normal of the directorate of civil aviation, advised the Related Press.
Air India mentioned of those, 53 are British nationals, 169 are Indian nationals, seven are Portuguese and one particular person is Canadian.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
1:11
Big plumes of smoke close to Indian airport
The injured are being taken to the closest hospitals.
In keeping with flight monitoring web site Flightrader, the plane had reached a top of 625ft earlier than crashing. Its final sign was obtained lower than a minute after take off.
Footage from the scene reveals thick black smoke rising in direction of the sky near the airport.
It additionally reveals photographs of individuals being moved in stretchers and brought away in ambulances. The precise variety of casualties shouldn’t be identified.
It is usually unknown at this stage what brought about the crash.
Picture:
Thick smoke rising from the scene of the crash. Pic: Mohan Nakum/AP
What we all know in regards to the airplane
The plane was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
Air India confirmed that the airplane had crashed in a press release on X.
Picture:
The Air India airplane earlier than the crash. Pic: Takagi
It mentioned: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025.”
The airline mentioned it’s presently “ascertaining the details” and would share something additional on its social media websites and web site.
Picture:
Employees clearing particles from the crash web site. Pic: Reuters
London Gatwick additionally confirmed that the flight was meant to reach within the UK at 6.25pm native time on Thursday.
All flights to and from Ahmedabad have now been suspended.
Boeing, the American plane producer which makes the airplane, mentioned it’s “aware of initial reports” and is working to assemble extra data.
Picture:
Pic: Reuters
Pilot ‘made a mayday sign’ earlier than crash
This may imply the crew was conscious of an issue earlier than the incident occurred.
Picture:
Firefighters work on the web site of the crash. Pic: AP
A mayday name is an internationally recognised misery sign utilized in radio communication. It signifies an imminent hazard and the necessity for speedy help.
Mr Bray added it’s “unusual” for a “state of the art” airplane to crash.
“There shouldn’t have been a problem, in taking off, especially not with a Dreamliner. It’s got a pretty good track record,” he mentioned.
Picture:
Firefighters work on the web site of an airplane that crashed in India’s northwestern metropolis of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, India, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Picture/Ajit Solanki)
What has the UK mentioned?
Sir Keir Starmer mentioned the scenes rising from the positioning of the crash in Ahmedabad are “devastating”.
The prime minister mentioned he’s being stored up to date because the scenario develops. Buckingham Palace mentioned King Charles can be being briefed on the crash.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
0:44
Second earlier than and after crash
In a press release on X, Mr Lammy wrote: “My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support.”
The UK’s international workplace mentioned it’s presently “working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved”.
It mentioned Britons who’ve issues can name on a devoted phone line.
What has India mentioned?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the airplane crash was “heartbreaking beyond words”.
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us,” he mentioned.
“In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.”
The nation’s civil aviation minister mentioned he’s “shocked and devastated”.
“I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action,” Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu mentioned.
Observe The World
Take heed to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim each Wednesday
Faucet to comply with
“Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.
“My ideas and prayers are with all these on board and their households.”
