Over 200 people have been confirmed dead after a plane they were travelling in crashed minutes after take-off.
The London-bound Air India plane which crashed had 242 passengers on board as it took off from Ahmedabad, western India.
Those on board included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian, according to Air India.
“Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off,” Air India said in a statement.
“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. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals.”
Air India added that it was “giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.”
At least 204 bodies had been recovered by the time of publishing this report.
But with the plane crashing into accommodation facilities for doctors, the number of those killed or injured outside the plane is not yet known.
Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA said between 50 to 60 students studying medicine were rushed to hospital after the Air India flight crashed into a doctors’ hostel.
Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister, said the crash was “heartbreaking beyond words.”
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it,” he noted.
“Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”
Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said “a lot of people” died.
“The rescue operations are on. We need to wait a little more time for exact details to be put out,” said Jaiswal.
“We have lost a lot of people. We extend our deepest condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones.”
Boeing, the manufacturer of the plane that crashed, sent thoughts to those affected and promised support.
“We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them,” it said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected.”
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