Watch: Shocking Video of Air India AI171 Crash Moments After Takeoff, Read the full timeline here

Ahmedabad (The Uttam Hindu): A tragic incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon when an Air India flight, headed from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after taking off. There were 242 individuals on board, which included two pilots and ten cabin crew members. Disturbing videos have emerged, capturing the chaotic aftermath of the crash. Here’s a detailed timeline of what happened:

According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), Air India Flight AI-171 took off at 1:39 PM IST from Runway 23 at Ahmedabad Airport. Just moments after takeoff, the aircraft went down outside the airport's perimeter. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky from the crash site, which was located in the Meghaninagar IGP Campus area of Ahmedabad.

The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who boasts over 8,200 hours of flying experience. He was joined by First Officer Clive Kundar, who has logged 1,100 hours in the cockpit. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese travelers. There are also unconfirmed reports suggesting that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani might have been on the flight.

In the wake of the crash, authorities quickly sealed off all roads surrounding the site, and fire brigades along with rescue teams were dispatched without delay. Hospitals have made emergency preparations, including the availability of 1,200 hospital beds. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, who was attending official events in Vijayawada, rushed to Ahmedabad upon hearing the news.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached out to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner, offering full support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in touch with both Shah and Naidu, reportedly instructing them to head to Ahmedabad and ensure that all possible assistance is provided to those affected.

Due to the crash, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad has been temporarily closed. All flight operations have been suspended until further notice. Air India issued a statement:

“Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in an accident on June 12. We are currently verifying details and will share updates via our official X account and Air India website.”