Air India plane crash: PM Modi speaks to Minister Rammohan Naidu

The Boeing 787 aircraft operating the flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick (the UK) crashed immediately after take off. There were 242 people, including 12 crew members, onboard.

PM Modi asks aviation minister to ensure all necessary support

The Minister informed the Prime Minister that he is rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground. "The prime minister has directed the minister to ensure all necessary support is extended immediately and asked to be kept regularly updated on the situation," the official said.

Further, the official said all relevant agencies are on high alert, and coordinated efforts are underway.

PM Modi spoke to Home Minister Amit Shah. He has asked both Shah and Naidu to go to Ahmedabad and ensure all possible assistance is extended to those affected in the wake of the air mishap, officials said.

London-bound Air India plane crashes near Ahmedabad airport

A London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed in a residential area here minutes after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon. Many people were feared killed. 

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft (AI171) could be seen from afar, losing altitude rapidly and crashing in a ball of fire that sent plumes of thick black smoke spiralling up in the air. 

The aircraft carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew crashed in Meghaninagar area near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport around 2 pm. Airport operations in the city were temporarily suspended.