A large number of people are reported dead and several others injured following Air India AI 171 Ahmedabad-London flight crashed soon after take off near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon.
There is no official confirmation about the number of deaths. However, the way the bodies are being brought to the Hospital, the casualty number could be high.
It is yet not clear as to how did the crash occur. However, the visuals show that probably the plane might not have achieved optimum take off speed due to some reasons.
There were 242 people, including 10 crew members, on board. Former Gujarat chief minister and senior BJP leader, Vijay Rupani, was also on board, reports said. There is no update about him till the time of uploading this article.
Green corridor was created and the injured (with burn injuries) were rushed to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, Asia’s largest civil hospital.
The SVPIA remains shut till further notice.
According to preliminary reports, the plane hit the Civil Hospital Building that also has the B J Medical College. Reports indicate that about 20 undergraduate medical students have been admitted to the hospital for treatment.
All fire tenders from Ahmedabad were rushed to the Airport. Fire tenders were also called from Vadodara.
Citizens have been asked not to reach the Civil Hospital.
An appeal has been issued for O Negative blood group.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the accident as heartbreaking beyond words. He took to X to say that the tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us.
Messages have been pouring in from across the country and cutting across party lines.
Industrialist Gautam Adani said that they are shocked and saddened by the tragedy and heart goes out to the families who have suffered an unimaginable loss.
Rajya Sabha MP, Parimal Nathwani also expressed shock. He wrote on social media that his thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and residents in the affected area.
Gujarat Congress president and Rajya Sabha MP, Shaktisinh Gohil, expressed shock at the incident and said that the party’s rank and file has been asked to assist the administration wherever possible.
Both the BJP and the Congress have cancelled all their programmes for the day.
By-election to Visavadar and Kadi are to be held on June 19.
This is a developing story.
Also Read: Air India Flight Crash: Casualty Details Awaited; Ahmedabad Airport Shut https://www.vibesofindia.com/air-india-flight-crash-casualty-details-awaited-ahmedabad-airport-shut/
