NEW DELHI: (AFP) Air India confirmed on Thursday (June 12) that its Flight 171 from the western city of Ahmedabad to London Gatwick had crashed in a "tragic accident".
"With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today," Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said in a statement.
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"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event," he said, adding that an emergency centre has been activated and a support team set up for families seeking information.
Meanwhile, India's aviation minster said he was "shocked and devastated" at an aircraft crash in the city of Ahmedabad, saying his "thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families".
"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 said in a statment.
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"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 added. "My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families."
Air India said on Thursday one of its aircraft, operating from the Indian city of Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, had been "involved in an incident".
"Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025," an Air India spokesperson said in a statement on X.
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The crash occurred when the aircraft was taking off, the TV channels reported.
Images posted online showed debris on fire, with thick black smoke rising up into the sky near the airport, and people being moved on stretchers and taken away in ambulances.
Flightradar24 said on X it received the last signal from Air India Flight AI171 at 08.08.51 UTC (4.08pm Singapore time), “just seconds after take-off”.
The aircraft involved is a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration VT-ANB, it said.
A total of 242 people were on board the flight, news agency ANI reported, citing Gujarat state’s police control room.
This story is developing. - Reuters, agencies
