An Air India flight bound for London and carrying 242 people on board crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, the western Indian state of Gujarat on Thursday. The flight took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat. According to Air India, the Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad airport at 13:38 local time and was carrying 230 passengers as well as two pilots and 10 cabin crew members. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian and seven Portuguese, the airline said. In a statement, Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran confirmed with "profound sorrow" that the flight which was headed for London Gatwick airport was involved in a tragic accident. He said that the airline's "thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event." Chandrasekaran said further updates will be shared as soon as more information becomes available. He added that an emergency center has been activated and support teams have been set up for families seeking information. Local media reports said the plane had reached an altitude of approximately 825 feet when it suddenly descended and went down in the Meghani area of the city. Police said the plane crashed on the building of a doctors' hostel, in which up to 200 people were believed to have been inside at the time, according to reports. According to officials, immediately after the crash, authorities rushed over two dozen ambulances to the accident site to carry out rescue work. Police have also diverted traffic from the area, and established a green corridor to quickly ferry the injured to hospital. Video footage which aired on television news channels showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the ground following the crash. SHOTLIST: India - June 12, 2025 1. Various of smoke, debris following plane crash; rescuers; 2. Various of ambulances moving, crowds; stretchers; 3. Dense smoke following plane crash; buildings. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]