New Delhi [India], June 12 : Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol on Thursday said that the ministry has issued helplines following the crash in Ahmedabad this afternoon of Air India London-bound flight with 242 people onboard.
Speaking to ANI, Mohol said, "It's a very unfortunate incident. We are all rushing to Ahmedabad. There were 242 people onboard the aircraft. We have issued helpline numbers."
According to the National Disaster Response Force, three NDRF teams, comprising 90 personnel, have reached the site of the crash from Gandhinagar. A total of three more teams are being moved from Vadodaram the Force said.
Earlier, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he is personally monitoring the situation and directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift action.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has rushed to Ahmedabad's Asarwa Civil Hospital, where those injured in the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner plane crash were brought for treatment. The plane crashed into a hostel for doctors of a medical college.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the mishap terming it "heartbreaking beyond words."
In a post on X, PM Modi conveyed his condolences and assured assistance to those affected.
"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," Prime Minister Modi said.
Air India said that among the 242 passengers, 169 were Indians, 53 Britishers, seven portugese and one Canadian national.
"Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. 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. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident," the Airlines said.
The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The official added that the copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience.
As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It made a Mayday call to ATC, but thereafter, the aircraft did not respond to the calls made by ATC.
Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. The official said that heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site.