Air India flight carrying 242 people crashes on takeoff from Ahmedabad
India Desk · WSN: WorldScope Now
Ahmedabad, India — An Air India passenger aircraft carrying 242 people crashed during takeoff at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad early Wednesday morning, according to officials.
The flight, bound for New Delhi, encountered engine failure moments after lifting off the runway. The aircraft tilted sharply, lost balance, and crashed onto the tarmac before catching fire. Emergency crews responded within minutes.
Local authorities confirmed that at least 39 people were killed and over 100 sustained injuries, some of them critical. Rescue operations continued for hours as firefighters battled flames and smoke to evacuate passengers from the wreckage.
“It was chaos. We heard a loud bang, the cabin filled with smoke, and people were screaming,” said Nisha Patel, a survivor who was treated for minor burns and shock.
Air India released a brief statement acknowledging the crash and said it is cooperating fully with aviation authorities and government agencies to investigate the cause.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and assured that all possible assistance would be provided to the victims’ families. “My prayers are with those affected,” he posted on social media.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry, and black box data is expected to be recovered soon to determine the exact cause of the crash.
This marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India in recent years. The airport remains closed until further notice, with all other flights diverted.