CCTV Footage Of Air India Plane Crash In Ahmedabad Out

Hours after the Air India plane crashed, CCTV footage of the incident has now hit the internet and gone viral.

The clip shows the plane taking off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport before slowly hitting the ground.

An 11-year-old aircraft went down in a horrific crash near Ahmedabad on Thursday, plunging to the ground in a fiery explosion shortly after takeoff. Witnesses reported seeing the plane lose height quickly before it burst into flames, sending thick black smoke billowing high into the sky.

"The aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from Runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC," said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Graphic visuals from the site showed charred bodies being recovered and injured passengers, some severely burned, being rushed to the nearby city civil hospital.

The ill-fated plane was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal, who had logged 8,200 flying hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar with 1,100 hours of experience. According to the DGCA, the aircraft crashed just beyond the airport perimeter right after lifting off from Runway 23.

Air India Chairperson N Chandrasekaran said the airline had activated an emergency response team. "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event... 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. Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information," he said in a statement on X.

Air India Announces Rs 1 Crore Compensation

Tata Group has announced that it will provide ₹1 crore to the families of each person who has lost their life in this tragedy. "We will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support. Additionally, we will provide support in the building up of the B J Medical's hostel," the statement read.

Of the 190 people initially thought to be on board, 21, including both pilots, have been confirmed dead. The DGCA later updated the count to 242 persons on board, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew. Following the crash, Ahmedabad airport operations were temporarily halted and resumed later in the day. The accident sent shockwaves through political circles and international communities.

"The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X. "In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected," he added. President Droupadi Murmu also extended her sympathies: "The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief."

From the UK, King Charles III expressed his sorrow, saying he and Queen Camilla were "desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning." He added: "Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the visuals from Ahmedabad were heartbreaking, particularly as the flight was carrying several British nationals.

With inputs from PTI