JUST IN: London-bound plane with over 200 onboard crashes in India

An Air India aircraft carrying about 242 people has crashed near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, western India, on Thursday.

No information has yet been released regarding possible fatalities.

Air India confirmed that the plane was bound for London’s Gatwick Airport in the UK.

Police sources said the aircraft went down in a civilian area near the airport.

“At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates,” Air India posted on X.

According to television reports, the crash occurred during takeoff.

Footage showed burning debris and thick black smoke billowing into the sky close to the airport.

News agency ANI, citing the Gujarat State Police Control Room, reported that 242 people were onboard the flight.

However, CNN News18 reported a slightly different figure—220 passengers and 12 crew members.

More to come…