The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on Thursday (June 12) that it was in communication with the National Transport Safety Council (NTSB) after Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad on the way to London Gatwick.
In the official statement, FAA said: “FAA is in contact with NTSB on AIL India AI171, which operates from Ahmedabad (AMD) to London Gatwick (LGW), which participated in an accident in India on Thursday (June 12).”
Details surrounding the incident remain limited, with Indian authorities expected to investigate in accordance with international protocols.
“When an international incident occurs, this government is conducting an investigation,” FAA explained. “If assistance is required, NTSB is an official US and FAA representative provides technical support.”
The agency emphasized its readiness to act quickly if it is invited. “We are ready to start the team immediately in coordination with NTSB,” he added.
Indian aviation officials still have to issue a public statement concerning the nature or cause of the incident concerning the Boeing 787.
Crash in Ahmedabad minutes after take -off
In one of the worst air disasters in recent Indian history, Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound to London Gatwick crashed into the Faculty of Medicine shortly after take -off of Ahmedabad on Thursday, perhaps killed all 242 passengers and crew on board.
Flight AI171 left the international airport Sardar Vallabhbhai patel at 13:39 ist and shortly after takeoff released “Mayday” an emergency call. The aircraft, piloted by Sumaet Sabharwal (8,200 flight hours) and the first officer Clive Kundar (1,100 hours), came across the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital in the Meghaninagar area.
Strong smoke, massive destruction
Eyewitnesses reported a terrifying look when the plane quickly lost altitude and burst into the flames after the impact. Black smoke was visible to miles away.
“The aircraft flew very low and crashed into residential districts of doctors and nursing staff Civil Hospital and BJ Medical College,” said Haresh Shah, an eyewitness.
Several multi -storey buildings, trees and parked vehicles lit in the resulting hell. Emergency teams rushed injured, many with heavy burns, to nearby hospitals.
Victims and nationality on board
According to Air India carried Boeing 787-8 242 people, including:
12 crew members (including 2 pilots)
Rescue efforts continued at night, but unofficial reports suggest that there were no survivors among passengers, and up to 25 people on Earth can also die.
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Air India, the government reacts
In its statement, Air India confirmed the incident and said: “The injured are transported to the nearest hospitals. A reserved hot line for passengers has been set up. Air India’s authorities are fully cooperating with the incident.”
President, PM express sorrow
President of the Drouges Murmu described the accident as a “disaster for the heart”: “My thoughts and prayers are with disabled people. The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief.”
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who comes from Gujarat, wrote on X: “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has amazed us. It is heartbreaking in words. They were in contact with ministers and authorities.”
MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal added: “We are expanding our deepest condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones. It is an evolving situation and several agencies are on Earth.”
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