An Air India Plane has crashed near Ahmedabad airport

Ahmedabad: An Air India Flight (AI171) has crashed in the Meghani area near Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat. Visuals from PTI showed thick smoke rising from the crash site.

CNN-News18 reports that there were 242 people on board the aircraft. 

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, head of India's directorate of civil aviation, told the Associated Press that the plane crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar.

There were 232 passengers and 12 crew members on board, where 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britishers, 1 Canadian and 7 Portuguese nationals were boarded.

Here are the live updates:

• We are closing this live blog here.
• Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, has been confirmed as the only survivor of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad.
• Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu has arrived at the site of the Ahmedabad plane crash.
• Vijay Rupani was the passenger no. 12 in flight.
• Following the Ahmedabad plane crash, Air India has added a hotline number specifically for foreign nationals: +91 8062779200, in addition to the existing hotline 1800 5691 444 for Indian nationals.
• Amit Shah Leaves For Ahmedabad After Air India Flight Crash.
• Dr. Dhawal Gameti, VP of FAIMA, reported that most Air India flight passengers were brought in deceased. He also stated that 50-60 students were hospitalized after the plane crashed into BJ Medical College, with 4-5 students missing and the wife of a resident doctor found dead.
• Police sources confirm to CNN-News18 that there were no survivors among the 242 passengers and crew members aboard the Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad.
• Two BSF teams and 100 CRPF Rapid Action Force personnel are en route to the Ahmedabad plane crash site for relief and rescue efforts. Additionally, at least 50 personnel from Group Centre Gandhinagar will be deployed to Ahmedabad.
• According to PIB, Ahmedabad Airport is now operational, hours after the earlier suspension due to the Air India crash of a London-bound flight.
• Eyewitnesses recounting the Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad, which claimed at least 133 lives, shared their experiences. One eyewitness reported that the aircraft crashed into the building of the BJ Medical College in Meghani Nagar, where resident doctors were staying.

• President Droupadi Murmu expressed her deep distress upon learning of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. She stated, "It is a heart-rending disaster. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief."
• Former Gujarat CM traveling in this flight declared dead.
• Following the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, CISF personnel swiftly activated emergency protocols and rushed to the scene. They are conducting rescue operations in close coordination with local authorities and emergency services.
• PM Narendra Modi reacted to the Ahmedabad plane crash, calling the incident "heartbreaking beyond words." He expressed his condolences and stated, "My thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”
• Reports indicate the death toll in the Ahmedabad plane crash has tragically climbed to 133.
• Regarding the Ahmedabad plane crash, the UK Embassy is collaborating with Indian officials to provide support. A British government travel advisory states they are working to urgently establish facts and assist those involved, noting that at least 53 British nationals were on the flight.
• Following the fatal plane crash in Ahmedabad, Air India has changed its social media logos to black as a sign of mourning.
• Following the crash of Air India Flight AI 171 to London shortly after takeoff, all flight operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad have been temporarily suspended. The airport spokesperson stated that operations will remain suspended until further notice.
• AIR INDIA has isssued a passenger hotline number 18005691444.

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