Air India: First pictures from crash scene as rescuers search wreckage

Flight Radar tracks flight AI171 as it crashed after near airport

Pictures have captured the immediate aftermath of a plane crash in India. The aircraft, which was set for Gatwick Airport, crashed in a civilian area while taking off from Ahmedabad Airport.

Pictures from the scene in the west of India show flames and black smoke billowing from the wreckage. Locals and fire fighters can be seen working at the scene with debris and rubble strewn across the floor. The Air India plane was carrying 242 passengers, including 53 Brits. It reportedly reached 625ft before crashing at a "doctors' hostel".

The wreckage of the plane crash in India (Image: AP)

People are seen at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in (Image: AP)

Smoke was seen billowing from the scene of the plane crash (Image: INSTAGRAM /)

The plane was carrying at least 242 people (Image: -)

The plane lost signal less than a minute after taking off. The pilot reportedly made a mayday call, an internationally recognised distress signal used in radio communication, and cited an "engine failure" before the plane crashed.

Air India Chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, said: "With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight, AI 171 operating Ahmedabad 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.

"At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.

Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad (Image: AP)

Firefighters at the scene of the plane crash (Image: AP)

The plane crashed in a civilian area (Image: -)

"Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families."

A senior police officer in Ahmedabad, Gujarat said: "Preliminary, we came to know that an Air India flight bound to London has crashed at the doctors' hostel. Within 2-3 minutes, police and other agencies reached the spot. Almost 70-80 % of the area has been cleaned."

Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, India's civil aviation minister, added: "Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.

The crash took place in Ahmedabad in the west of India (Image: Daily Express)

"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 thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families."

The UK government has since said it will provide "all the support that it can" to those on the flight. Sir Keir Starmer said "the scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating".

Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the scene in Ahmedabad as "heatbreaking". She added in a post on X: "My thoughts are with all those affected — especially the families of those on board, and the emergency teams responding to what appears to be a horrifying tragedy."

The plane burst into flames (Image: -)

People watch smoke rising after the plane crash (Image: AP)

Smoke rises after th airplane crashed in Ahmedabad (Image: AP)

According to Air India, the flight was carrying 169 Indian nationals as well as 53 Brits. Meanwhile, there were seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian person on board.

Air India said: "The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information." All flights were grounded at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport following the crash.