Ahmedabad, June 12: A devastating plane crash near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon left behind scenes of chaos and destruction, as recounted by shocked eyewitnesses.
An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route from Ahmedabad to London with 242 people on board, including 12 crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff into a doctors' hostel near the airport perimeter, according to senior police officials.
One eyewitness described the terrifying scene: “I saw fire, clouds of smoke, debris scattered all around. At first, I couldn’t understand what had happened. Later, I realized a plane had crashed here. The police soon cordoned off the area.”
Another resident who rushed to the spot after hearing the loud explosion said, “There was smoke and fire everywhere. The doctors’ flats have been badly damaged. It’s a horrific sight.”
The aircraft crashed into a residential building that houses medical professionals. Joint Commissioner of Police Jaipal Singh Rathore confirmed, “After takeoff, the aircraft went down and crashed into a doctors' hostel located just outside the airport perimeter.”
In response to the disaster, the Gujarat government has deployed three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising 90 personnel from Gandhinagar, to assist in the ongoing rescue efforts.
Western Railway has also announced special train services from Ahmedabad to support travel needs following the incident.
Meanwhile, Ahmedabad City Police have issued an emergency helpline for the public to seek assistance and information related to the crash: 07925620359. ( With Agency Input )
