New Delhi / Ahmedabad | June 12 — The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, where a London-bound Boeing 787-8 aircraft carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed shortly after takeoff, leading to numerous casualties.
“What has happened in Ahmedabad is a very tragic accident. We have lost a lot of people. We extend our deepest condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal at a press briefing. He confirmed that several foreign nationals were among those onboard and stated that updates would follow from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Air India.
Air India confirmed that flight AI171, which took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 p.m. IST, was involved in the crash minutes after departure. The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with over 8,200 hours of flying experience, and assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar. The airline stated that the aircraft made a Mayday call but lost communication with Air Traffic Control shortly afterward.
According to officials, the plane crashed outside the airport perimeter in the densely populated Meghaninagar area, where thick smoke was seen billowing from the site. Rescue and relief operations were under way, with central and state agencies working in tandem. “It’s still an evolving situation. We’ll have to wait for exact details, but all concerned authorities are actively engaged,” Jaiswal added.
Air India reported that the flight included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian national. “The injured are being taken to nearby hospitals,” said the airline in a statement. It has also activated a dedicated passenger hotline (1800 5691 444) for assistance and is cooperating fully with investigating authorities.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow in a post on X, calling it a “heart-rending disaster.” “I am deeply distressed to learn about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief,” she said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is personally monitoring the developments, described the crash as “heartbreaking beyond words.” “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. I have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,” Modi posted on X.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that all relevant agencies were on high alert and fully engaged in the operation. Further updates, including the confirmed number of casualties and cause of the accident, are awaited.
