An Air India plane heading for London crashed in a residential area, leaving many dead.
Reports suggest authorities discovered only one survivor who has since been hospitalized and is under treatment. Prior to the discovery, police believed there were no survivors.
“It appears there are no survivors in the plane crash,” Ahmedabad’s city police commissioner, G.S. Malik, told the Associated Press. More than 240 people were on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
A senior police officer told Reuters that the crash site is a “doctor’s hostel…we have cleared almost 70% to 80% of the area and will clear the rest soon.”
“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,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X. “Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”
Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran confirmed the plane crash.
“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,” a statement read. “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 seeking information.”
Air India said those on the flight included “169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.”
The Federal Aviation Administration said it is “in contact with the NTSB regarding Air India flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad (AMD) to London Gatwick (LGW), that was involved in an accident in India on Thursday, June 12.”
“When an international incident occurs, that government leads the investigation. In the event assistance is requested, the NTSB is the official U.S. representative and the FAA provides technical support. We stand ready to launch a team immediately in coordination with the NTSB,” the FAA added.
This is a developing story.
