An Air India aircraft destined for London carrying 242 individuals crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabad city in India on Thursday, as reported by the airline and local authorities.

Rescue teams at the crash site have recovered at least 30 bodies from a building near the wreckage, with more individuals still trapped inside, according to rescue workers cited by Reuters.

The Boeing 787-8 plane, as confirmed by Air India, was transporting 242 passengers and crew members, with the injured being transported to nearby hospitals for medical assistance.

Flight-tracking website Flightradar24 indicated that the plane lost signal less than a minute after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 pm.

After the aircraft issued a distress signal, known as a 'Mayday' call, to air traffic control at Ahmedabad airport, there was no further communication from the plane.

According to The Guardian, this incident marks the first time a Boeing 787 Dreamliner has been involved in a crash, despite the model having a generally good safety record.

Al Jazeera also reported this as the initial crash involving a Boeing 787 aircraft based on data from the Aviation Safety Network database.

Rescue Operations

Footage from the crash site depicted burning debris and thick black smoke billowing near the airport, with emergency responders transporting injured individuals on stretchers and in ambulances.

With 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian on board, Air India stated that a total of 242 individuals were part of the flight, including passengers, pilots, and crew members.

The airline assured full cooperation with the ongoing investigation and established a dedicated hotline for passenger inquiries.

In a statement, Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event and emphasized support for the affected families.

India's Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda confirmed multiple fatalities in the crash, while Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu instructed swift action by all aviation and emergency response agencies.

Boeing acknowledged the reports and pledged to gather more information, with its shares experiencing a decline in pre-market trading.

Following the incident, London's Gatwick airport announced plans to provide further updates on the situation.

Previous Incidents

Notably, in August 2020, an Air India Express plane crash-landed in Kerala, resulting in 21 fatalities and numerous injuries.

Historically, Air India has faced tragic aviation disasters, including a 2010 crash at Mangalore airport and a mid-air collision near New Delhi in 1996, among others.

Global Reaction

Leaders worldwide expressed condolences for the victims and their families, with British PM Keir Starmer and Malaysia's PM Anwar Ibrahim among those extending their sympathies.

India's President Droupadi Murmu and former foreign minister Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari also conveyed their heartfelt condolences, emphasizing solidarity during this difficult time.