London-bound Indian flight crash update: 133 Dead

Gujarat (India), June 12: The London-bound Air India flight involved in an accident minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday crashed on the UG hostel mess of BJ Medical College in Meghani Nagar. At least 133 people were killed as the plane crashed in the residential area, civil hospital sources said, wrote news18.

According to the FAIMA Doctors Association, at least 30 people were reported injured as students were having lunch at the hostel mess when the plane crashed into the building.

Air India said the Boeing 787-8 aircraft was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board, including 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national.

The injured were rushed to the nearest hospitals, said the airline. It has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number – 1800 5691 444.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, spoke to Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah to take stock of the situation.

“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," Modi wrote in a post on X.

Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran expressed “profound sorrow" at the tragic accident. In a statement issued by the airline, he expressed heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by the incident. “With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating from Ahmedabad to 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 said. (news18)