An Air India aircraft carrying over 200 passengers crashed near the airport in Ahmedabad, a western city in India, according to statements from the airline and police officials on Thursday. They did not confirm if there were any casualties.
The aircraft was en route to London’s Gatwick airport in the UK, as stated by Air India, while police reported that the crash occurred in a civilian area close to the airport.
“At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates,” Air India said on X.
The crash occurred when the aircraft was taking off, television channels reported.
Visuals showed debris on fire, with thick black smoke rising up into the sky near the airport.
They also showed visuals of people being moved in stretchers and being taken away in ambulances.
A total of 242 people were on board the flight, news agency ANI reported, citing Gujarat state’s police control room.
India’s CNN News18 TV channel, however, said there were 220 passengers and 12 crew on the plane.
