An Air India plane carrying over 200 passengers crashed near Ahmedabad airport in western India, according to airline and police officials. The authorities have not confirmed any fatalities yet.

The flight was en route to London's Gatwick Airport in the UK, with 242 passengers and crew members on board. The crash occurred in a civilian area close to the airport, and the injured are being taken to nearby hospitals.

Local police reported that the aircraft crashed during take-off, resulting in debris on fire and thick black smoke rising near the airport. Emergency teams were activated at the airport, and the last signal from the aircraft was received seconds after take-off.

The chairman of the Tata Group, a majority owner of Air India, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident and emphasized the company's focus on supporting the families of the victims. India's aviation minister also expressed shock and devastation, directing swift action from aviation and emergency response agencies.

This incident marks the first fatal plane crash in India since 2020, involving Air India Express. The airline's Boeing-737 overshot a runway in southern India, resulting in 21 fatalities.