Ahmedabad: In a tragic incident, a London-bound Air India passenger aircraft crashed during takeoff near Meghaninagar in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Eyewitnesses reported thick plumes of smoke rising from the airport premises, triggering panic in the surrounding area. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the extent of the damage and casualties is yet to be officially confirmed. However, many are feared dead.

The Gujarat State Police Control Room confirmed that the aircraft belonged to Tata Group-owned Air India.

A total of 230 passengers and 12 crew members including two Pilots were on board the AI-171 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner at the time of the crash.

Reports suggest former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijaybhai Rupani was on board the aircraft, seated in passenger seat number 12.

The Air India aircraft crashed five minutes after takeoff at 1:38 PM. It hit the residential area in Meghaninagar.

Air India Spokepseron said, "Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest."

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated Captain Sumeet Sabharwal is an Line Training Captain (LTC) with 8200 hours of experience. The copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience. 

As per the Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed from Ahmadabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23.

The aircraft gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC.

Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site, the DGCA added.

Over seven firetenders have been rushed to the crash site. The charred bodies recovered the spot have been kept at the Ahmedabad hospital, reports added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took stock of the situation and spoke to Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. The Prime Minitser directed Naidu to ensure all necessary support is extended immediately.

Reports quoting sources at the Ministry of Civil Aviation informed the Director General of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with the team has left for Ahmedabad for probe.