204 dead, 41 injured in Ahmedabad plane crash

At least 204 people have died and 41 injured in the Air India plane crash that took place in Ahmedabad today. According to the police, the chances of survival of those under treatment are very low. Rescue teams from the Indian Army, NDRF, CRPF and Coast Guards are working at the site.

The incident took place when the Air India flight, carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, was taking off for London at 1.17 PM.

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani also died. According to the passenger list, "Vijay Ramniklal Rupani" was the 12th passenger on the list. He was booked in Z class, which falls under the Business Class category. 

The plane was carrying 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and one Canadian passenger. Heavy smoke was visible from Dharpur near the Meghaninagar area in Ahmedabad. The fire brigade has rushed to the spot, and emergency response teams are being mobilised. Authorities are yet to confirm the cause of the crash.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu about the crash. The PM asked the two ministers to go to Ahmedabad and ensure all possible assistance is extended to those affected. Earlier, Shah also spoke to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel following the crash.

The CISF personnel immediately activated emergency protocols and rushed to the site of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Rescue operations are being carried out in close coordination with local authorities and emergency services. The Disaster Management Team of Western Railway is actively extending full support in relief and rescue operations at the site while maintaining close coordination with the Gujarat government, according to an official statement.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the party was shocked by the “devastating tragedy” of the Ahmedabad plane crash and said local Congress workers have already been directed to assist in rescue, relief, and other efforts. BJP national president JP Nadda also appeals to all BJP workers to engage in relief and rescue operations and provide all possible help to the affected families. 

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in Ahmedabad were “devastating”. “I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time,” Starmer said.

Meanwhile, Air India has changed its logo on social media handles to black after the deadly plane crash in Ahmedabad.