Casualties and Rescue Operations
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 cabin crew members. The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar assisting. Due to the long-haul nature of the flight, the aircraft was heavily fueled, intensifying the post-crash fire and complicating rescue efforts.
Multiple fire engines, ambulances, and disaster response teams were deployed to the crash site. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) dispatched six teams (180 personnel) from Gandhinagar and Vadodara to assist in operations. As of now, there is no official confirmation on the number of casualties.
Investigation Initiated
The DGCA has announced a formal investigation into the crash, with technical support expected from Boeing. Experts suggest that the high fuel load may have exacerbated the fire, making rescue operations more challenging. A senior police officer reported that emergency teams reached the site within minutes, and nearly 70-80% of the area had been cleared.
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Government and Airline Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief on social media, stating, *"The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. My thoughts are with everyone affected."* He has directed Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to visit Ahmedabad and oversee relief efforts.
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran issued a statement confirming the accident and extending condolences to the victims' families. The airline has activated an emergency support center to assist affected families.
International Reactions
The UK government acknowledged the incident, offering consular assistance to British nationals. The passenger manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals.
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Airport Operations Suspended
Following the crash, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport suspended all flight operations indefinitely. Indian Railways announced the deployment of additional Vande Bharat trains to help stranded passengers travel to other cities.
Local Authorities Mobilize Relief Efforts
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has instructed officials to expedite rescue operations and ensure immediate medical care for survivors. A green corridor has been established to transport the injured to hospitals swiftly.
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani also expressed shock over the incident, pledging full support to authorities and affected families.
Helpline Numbers Activated
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has set up operational control rooms in Delhi and Ahmedabad to assist concerned individuals:
Delhi Control Room: 011-24610843 | 9650391859
Ahmedabad Control Room: 9978405304 | 079-23251900
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, with updates expected in the coming days. Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation and rely on official sources for information
