The Voice News: An Air India aircraft has crashed in Ahmedabad, India. At the time of the crash, the plane had 242 people on board. According to India Today, shortly after taking off from Gujarat’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, the pilot sensed trouble and issued a “Mayday” distress call to Air Traffic Control (ATC). However, just moments later, all communication ceased. Despite attempts by ATC to re-establish contact, there was no further response.
The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was en route from Ahmedabad to London, United Kingdom. Among the 242 people on board, 12 were crew members, including two pilots.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that it was the co-pilot who issued the Mayday call. No further communication was received from the aircraft after that.
In a statement, the DGCA said:
“There were 242 individuals onboard the aircraft, including two pilots and ten cabin crew members. The flight was under the command of Captain Sumit Sabrawal, assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar. According to ATC records, the plane took off from Runway 23 of Ahmedabad Airport at 1:39 PM. Shortly after takeoff, the co-pilot issued a Mayday call. Thereafter, there was no further communication from the aircraft. Within moments, the plane crashed within the airport’s perimeter. Thick smoke was seen rising from the crash site.”
Meanwhile, a source has revealed that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the passengers on the flight.