Tragedy struck on Thursday, June 12, when an Air India aircraft with 240 people onboard crashed shortly after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.
The flight, numbered AI171, was on its way to London but never made it out of Indian airspace.
The aircraft went down near the IGB ground in Meghaninagar, a neighbourhood close to Dharpur.
According to visuals captured before the crash, the plane appeared to be flying smoothly over a densely packed urban area before it suddenly began a slow descent.
Moments later, it slammed into the ground and erupted into flames, sending towering columns of smoke into the sky.
Residents in the area described hearing a powerful explosion followed by panic and confusion.
“There was a huge noise, and then we saw smoke rising everywhere,” one local told reporters. Within minutes, fire engines, ambulances, and police units were seen racing to the crash site.
Video footage shared by eyewitnesses showed rescue teams scrambling through debris, attempting to contain the blaze and locate survivors.
Emergency responders, including firefighters and law enforcement officers, are currently working at the crash site, while additional reinforcements have been dispatched to assist in the response.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of casualties or survivors, and the cause of the crash remains unknown at this time. Aviation officials have promised a thorough investigation.
The crash has left the Meghaninagar community in shock. Many residents recalled the terrifying moment they heard the impact and saw their skies turn dark with smoke.
As the nation awaits answers, the focus remains on rescue efforts and providing support to the victims and their families.