Ahmedabad plane crash: Passengers from India, UK, Portugal and Canada were on board

An Air India passenger plane bound for London with 244 people onboard crashed Thursday (June 12) in Ahmedabad, the airline and local authorities confirmed.

The Indian carrier, in a statement, said that the plane was carrying people of four nationalities.

“The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals,” it said.

The airline said it was cooperating with the authorities for the investigation into the accident.

The UK high commission also issued a statement, saying it was in touch with local authorities to establish facts.

“We are aware that a flight from Ahmedabad to London has crashed near Ahmedabad airport. We are working with local authorities to urgently establish the facts and provide support. Our thoughts are with all those affected”

The plane crashed soon after taking off from Ahmedabad International Airport around 2 pm, police said.

“We are acquiring details about the casualties,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kanan Desai.

Fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the blaze, said fire officer Jayesh Khadia.

Several injured persons were taken to city civil hospital, an official said.

A large plume of black smoke was seen rising from the locality soon after the crash. Emergency responders reached the site promptly and have launched intensive rescue, evacuation, and firefighting operations.