Air India AI171 Flight With 242 Onboard Crashed In Ahmedabad Just After Climbing 625 Feet: FlightRadar

Flight tracking platform FlightRadar has disclosed that the final signal from Air India flight AI171 was received mere seconds after take-off, as the aircraft climbed to an altitude of 625 feet before crashing on Thursday.

Thick columns of smoke were observed billowing into the Ahmedabad skyline moments after the crash occurred.

"Air India flight #AI171 was scheduled to fly from Ahmedabad International Airport to London Gatwick Airport. The signal from the aircraft was lost at 08:08 UTC (13:38 local time) at 625 feet, less than a minute after take off," FlightRadar reported.

The platform further stated that the last transmission was recorded around 1:38 PM local time, just as the aircraft had taken off.

Carrying 242 passengers, the aircraft went down near the Meghaninagar area, not far from the Ahmedabad airport. "The flight, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed into a residential area (Meghaninagar) five minutes after taking off at 1:38 PM," officials confirmed.

Air India issued a statement clarifying the route and passenger details: "Air India confirms that flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today shortly after departure. The flight, which left Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members aboard a Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of those onboard, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 British, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese."

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated that he was keeping a close watch on the unfolding situation. "We are on the highest alert. I am personally monitoring the developments and have instructed all aviation and emergency services to act promptly and in coordination," he said.

Ahmedabad airport has since been shut down, and authorities have yet to confirm the number of injuries or fatalities resulting from the devastating crash.

Officials reiterated that the aircraft crashed within five minutes of take-off. Onboard were 242 individuals, including two pilots and ten cabin crew.

Footage circulated by news agency ANI depicted emergency personnel battling flames at the crash site, working urgently to control the blaze and aid survivors.