Kathmandu, June 12
An Air India flight carrying 242 passengers crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, prompting an urgent response from Indian authorities.
The aircraft involved in the crash was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, registered as VT-ANB. It had completed its first successful test flight on December 14, 2013, and was officially handed over to Air India in January 2014.
Ahmedabad airport is located at an elevation of 200 feet above sea level. According to preliminary reports, the aircraft reached an altitude of 625 feet after takeoff before it suddenly descended, crashing at a vertical speed of 475 feet per minute. The incident occurred within two minutes of takeoff.
Following the crash, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to discuss the incident.
According to the Minister’s office, Naidu is en route to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations. India Today reports that Modi has directed authorities to provide immediate assistance and deliver regular updates on the situation.
All concerned agencies have been placed on high alert, and coordinated rescue efforts are underway. Flight operations at Ahmedabad airport have been temporarily suspended in the aftermath of the crash.
