**UK-Bound Passenger Jet Crashes After Departing Ahmedabad: Over 240 People On Board**
A passenger plane bound for London has crashed soon after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport in India, sparking fears for the 242 passengers and crew reportedly aboard. The Air India flight, numbered AI171, was scheduled to travel directly to London Gatwick when it became involved in what airline officials have described as a significant incident.
Details surrounding the crash remain scarce as rescue and response teams work urgently at the site. According to statements provided by local authorities, the aircraft came down in a densely populated civilian area located just outside the airport perimeter. Emergency services have descended on the scene in a coordinated effort to manage the situation and provide assistance to any potential survivors.
Local police confirmed that, at the time of the crash, the plane was carrying at least 242 individuals, a count which includes both passengers and crew members. The extent of casualties or injuries has not been formally confirmed, as the situation is ongoing and search teams are still working their way through the wreckage.
A spokesperson for Air India commented, “We can confirm that Air India flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick has been involved in an incident today. At this stage, we are collecting information and will provide further updates as soon as they become available.” The airline has also indicated that they are cooperating fully with local emergency services and aviation authorities to ascertain the cause of the crash.
Eyewitnesses in the area described scenes of chaos and fear, as smoke and flames were visible rising from the site shortly after the aircraft left the runway. Many residents in the vicinity rushed to offer help, while authorities moved quickly to secure the area and facilitate the work of first responders.
Aviation experts have cautioned against speculation regarding the cause of the accident until a formal investigation is launched. The priority at this moment, officials indicated, is the safety and treatment of those caught up in the crash, and establishing reliable communication with the families of those on board.
As is standard procedure in air disasters, both Indian and British aviation authorities are expected to take part in the investigation, with the potential involvement of international agencies as required. Efforts are already underway to recover black box flight recorders, which will be key to determining precisely what happened during the ill-fated take-off sequence.
Family members and friends of those on board have begun arriving at both Ahmedabad Airport and London Gatwick, anxiously awaiting news amid a flood of media activity and official updates. Air India has been providing a helpline for next-of-kin and is offering support services for those affected by the tragedy.
The disaster has cast a sombre mood both in India and the UK, as communities await solid news of survivors or casualties. Thoughts are with all those involved as rescue operations continue and investigations begin into one of the most serious air incidents of recent months. More updates will follow as the story develops and authorities confirm further details.