An Air India flight which was en route to London Gatwick has crashed in India.
At least 242 people were on board the flight when it crashed shortly after take off in the northwestern Indian city of Ahmedabad, police have said.
More than 50 of the passengers are British nationals.
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Here is what we know so far.
Where did the plane crash?
Air India flight AI171 took off from Ahmedabad Airport at 1.38pm local time on Thursday.
The aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
Minutes after take off, it crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the director general of the directorate of civil aviation, told the Associated Press.
At least 30 bodies have been recovered from a building at the site of the crash, Reuters reported, citing rescue workers at the site.
More people were trapped inside the building, the workers said.
According to flight tracking website Flightrader, the aircraft had reached a height of 625ft before crashing. Its last signal was received less than a minute after take off.
London Gatwick confirmed that the flight was meant to arrive in the UK at 6.25pm local time on Thursday.
Footage from the scene showed thick black smoke rising towards the sky close to the airport.
Pic: Reuters
Pic: AP
It also showed images of people being moved in stretchers and taken away in ambulances. The exact number of casualties is not known.
It is also unknown at this stage what caused the crash.
Boeing, the American aircraft manufacturer which makes the plane, said it is “aware of initial reports” and is working to gather more information.
The Air India plane before the crash. Pic: Takagi
Who was on board?
Air India said of the 242 passengers and crew on the plane, 53 are British nationals, 169 are Indian nationals, seven are Portuguese and one person is Canadian.
Those that have been injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals.
The tail of the Air India plane wedged in the roof of building following crash. Pic: NDTV
The airline said it has also “set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information”.
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Moment before and after crash
Pilot ‘made a mayday signal’ before crash
Aviation expert Julian Bray told Sky News that he understands the pilot of flight AI171 managed to make a mayday call before the crash.
This would mean the crew was aware of a problem before the incident happened.
Pic: AP
A mayday call is an internationally recognised distress signal used in radio communication. It indicates an imminent danger and the need for immediate assistance.
Mr Bray added it is “unusual” for a “state of the art” plane to crash.
“There shouldn’t have been a problem, in taking off, especially not with a Dreamliner. It’s got a pretty good track record,” he said.
What has the UK said?
Sir Keir Starmer said the scenes emerging from the site of the crash in Ahmedabad are “devastating”.
The prime minister said he is being kept updated as the situation develops. Buckingham Palace said King Charles is also being briefed on the crash.
Pic: Reuters
Pic: AP
Foreign Minister David Lammy said that he is “deeply saddened by news”.
In a statement on X, Mr Lammy wrote: “My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support.”
The UK’s Foreign Office said it is currently “working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved”.
Britons who have concerns may call 0207 008 5000, the Foreign Office added.
Pic: AP
What has India said?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the plane crash was “heartbreaking beyond words”.
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us,” he said.
“In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.”
Firefighters work at the site of the crash. Pic: AP
The country’s civil aviation minister said he is “shocked and devastated”.
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“I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action,” Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said.
“Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.e
