London-Bound Air India Flight AI-171 Crashes; One survivor found; Former Guj CM Vijay Rupani among those killed

A London-bound Air India passenger plane carrying 242 people, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew members, crashed in the Meghani Nagar area near Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat. Of the passengers, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and 7 Portuguese nationals were onboard flight number AI-171, which was operating from Ahmedabad to London. Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil said that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani lost his life in the incident. One survivor with minor injuries has been found. He has been identified as Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, a British national. The injured were taken to the nearest hospitals.

 

The Ministry of Civil Aviation informed that an operational control room has been activated at the Ministry to coordinate all details, available at contact numbers 011-24610843 and 9650391859. It added that the Ministry is committed to a swift response and full support for all affected. A dedicated helpline number, +91 99741 11327, has been set up at Ahmedabad airport for passenger queries and assistance. Another passenger hotline, 1800 5691 444, has also been established by Air India to provide more information.

 

The Director General of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, Director (Investigation), and a Go Team are on the way to Ahmedabad following the Air India aircraft crash.

 

Fire and police teams were rushed to the site immediately after receiving the alert. Three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel, have been deployed from Gandhinagar to the crash site. Three more NDRF teams are being moved from Vadodara. The injured have been shifted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital for treatment. Further investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the crash. All roads leading to the crash site have been sealed off to facilitate rescue and relief operations. Air India has said they are ascertaining the details.

 

President Droupadi Murmu has expressed grief over the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. In a social media post, the President said that it is a heart-rending disaster and her thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. The President added that the nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the flight crash as heartbreaking beyond words. Mr. Modi said, he is in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected. His thoughts are with everyone affected during this tragic hour.

 

The Prime Minister has spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu regarding the Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad. He took stock of the situation. Mr. Modi also directed them to ensure that all possible assistance is extended immediately to those affected by the air mishap. Mr. Naidu added that all relevant agencies are on high alert and coordinated efforts are underway. He said his ministry is closely monitoring the situation and has directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.

 

On the other hand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to the Gujarat Chief Minister and State Home Minister about the incident. The Chief Minister stated that instructions have been given to arrange a green corridor for transporting the injured to hospitals and to ensure all medical facilities are made available on priority.

 

Our correspondent reports that the Indian Army at the Army Cantonment in Ahmedabad has broken open its boundary wall to enable easier access to the crash site.

 

Central Industrial Security Force has said that its personnel immediately activated emergency protocols and rushed to the site following the crash of a London-bound Air India flight in Ahmedabad. The CISF expressed solidarity with the victims and their families in this hour of grief.