In India, a passenger plane crashed

The passenger plane of Air India, operating a flight from the Indian city of Ahmedabad to London, crashed near the Megani urban district shortly after takeoff.

According to unconfirmed reports, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with a capacity of around 300 people and carrying more than 100 passengers on board, crashed. The plane was fueled for a long-haul flight, so upon impact with the ground, an explosion followed by a fire occurred.

According to the ANI news agency, citing the Gujarat state police dispatcher, there were 242 people on board the plane. However, the Indian TV channel CNN News18 reported that there were 220 passengers and 12 crew members on board the aircraft.

A Reuters source claims that the plane was headed to London Gatwick Airport. The aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Local media report that a column of dark smoke is rising above the crash site, visible from several kilometers away. Numerous emergency service teams — medics and firefighters — have been dispatched there.

The police stated that the plane crashed in a residential area near the airport. "We are currently clarifying the details and will share further information," said Air India’s press service on the social network X.