English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

Pilot gave mayday call soon after takeoff: What happened minutes before Air India plane crash

Published

on

An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off on Thursday afternoon, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed. The aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, was carrying 242 individuals, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members.

Moments after departing from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, the pilot issued a Mayday call to air traffic control (ATC). However, the aircraft failed to respond to subsequent ATC communications, according to the DGCA.

The London-bound flight, which took off at 1:39 p.m. IST (8:09 UTC) from Runway 23, crashed around 2:00 p.m. in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar area, just outside the airport perimeter.

Dense black smoke was observed billowing from the site, with the aircraft reportedly losing altitude rapidly before impact. Authorities fear multiple casualties.

The DGCA stated that the flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a licensed training captain with 8,200 hours of flying experience, assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of flight time.

“On June 12, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, crashed immediately after take-off. The aircraft had 242 persons on board, comprising two pilots and 10 cabin crew,” the DGCA’s statement read.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he is closely overseeing the situation and has directed aviation and emergency response agencies to act swiftly and cohesively. “I am personally monitoring developments to ensure coordinated action,” he stated.

Air India revealed the nationalities of those on board: 169 Indian citizens, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals. The airline has established a passenger hotline (1800 5691 444) to provide updates and is fully cooperating with investigative authorities. “The injured are being rushed to nearby hospitals,” Air India said in a statement.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed grief, stating, “The images of a London-bound flight carrying many British nationals crashing in Ahmedabad are heart-wrenching. I am being updated on the situation, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families during this distressing time.”

London Gatwick Airport confirmed, “Flight AI-171, which crashed on departure from Ahmedabad, was scheduled to arrive at Gatwick at 6:25 p.m.”

Tata Group, Air India’s parent company, issued a statement through Chairman N. Chandrasekaran: “It is with deep sorrow that I confirm Air India Flight AI-171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in a tragic accident today. Our heartfelt condolences are with the families and loved ones affected by this devastating incident.”

He added that the airline’s primary focus is supporting victims and their families, with an emergency centre and support teams activated to assist response efforts and provide information. “Further updates will follow as verified details emerge,” Chandrasekaran said.

India News

DMK leader’s son arrested after car rams family in Krishnagiri, one dead

A 20-year-old son of a DMK leader has been arrested for allegedly driving a car into four members of a family in Krishnagiri, killing assistant labour inspector Sivamoorthy.

Published

on

DMK leader

A 20-year-old son of a leader from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has been arrested for allegedly mowing down four members of a family following a heated argument in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district. One person died in the incident, police said.

The deceased has been identified as Sivamoorthy, an assistant labour inspector and a resident of Krishnagiri. According to the police, the incident occurred outside his residence after the accused, identified as Adithya, objected to a two-wheeler parked on the road.

Police said Adithya was driving the car and began honking as the two-wheeler was blocking the road. Sivamoorthy and his family members reportedly stepped out to move the vehicle. During the exchange that followed, an altercation broke out.

Investigators allege that Adithya then rammed his car into Sivamoorthy, his son Kirubakaran, daughter-in-law Amsavalli and granddaughter Nilani. Sivamoorthy sustained severe injuries and later succumbed. The others were injured in the incident.

Besides Adithya, two of his friends — Rithik Kumar and Harish — who were present in the car at the time, have also been arrested. A case of murder has been registered against the trio and further investigation is underway.

Kirubakaran, recounting the incident, said the family had attempted to move the parked two-wheeler when the accused damaged it. He alleged that the men appeared intoxicated and tried to assault them with a stick before the vehicle was driven into the family.

Amsavalli said they had tried to defuse the situation peacefully but the confrontation turned violent, resulting in her father-in-law’s death and injuries to her child.

A police officer stated that Adithya’s father is a local functionary of the DMK in Krishnagiri district. The victim’s family has demanded strict action in the case.

Reacting to the incident, state BJP chief Nainar Nagendran criticised the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, questioning the state government over the episode and alleging that party functionaries were misusing their influence.

Police said the probe is ongoing.

Continue Reading

India News

Security tightened across Delhi metro stations after bomb threat emails

Delhi is on high alert after bomb threat emails targeted metro stations, the Red Fort and the Assembly. Authorities confirmed the threats were hoaxes but tightened security as a precaution.

Published

on

Delhi Metro

Security has been intensified across all metro stations and major installations in the national capital after a series of bomb threat emails were received on Monday. Authorities later confirmed that the threats were hoaxes following detailed inspections by security agencies.

According to officials, several key institutions — including the Delhi Secretariat, Delhi Assembly, the Red Fort and two schools — received threatening emails earlier in the day. Extensive searches were carried out at all the locations mentioned in the messages, but nothing suspicious was found.

A senior police officer said cyber teams are working to trace the origin of the emails. Preliminary findings suggest that the senders may have used Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in an attempt to conceal their identities and mislead investigators. Officials expressed confidence that those responsible would be identified.

Metro stations under heightened surveillance

Following specific references to metro services in the emails, security arrangements were strengthened across the entire network of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Additional personnel have been deployed at stations, and anti-sabotage checks are being conducted.

Police said random frisking of passengers and intensified CCTV surveillance are being carried out as part of precautionary measures. Bomb disposal squads and dog squads were stationed at sensitive sites, including the Red Fort, Delhi Secretariat and the Assembly complex.

The threatening emails reportedly included the slogan “Delhi banega Khalistan” and warned of explosions at an Army school, the Assembly and the Red Fort at specific times during the day. Officials stated that all mentioned locations were thoroughly checked and declared safe.

Authorities also coordinated with counterparts in neighbouring states to enhance security at metro stations falling under their jurisdictions.

While no explosives were found, officials said the tightened security arrangements will remain in place as a precaution. Cyber teams continue efforts to trace the IP addresses and identify those behind the threat emails.

Continue Reading

India News

JNU protest turns violent as Left and Right student groups trade charges

A late-night protest at JNU turned violent as Left and ABVP student groups accused each other of stone-throwing and attacks near the East Gate.

Published

on

JNU Protest

Tension gripped the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University in the early hours of Monday after a protest march allegedly spiralled into violence, with rival student groups accusing each other of triggering the unrest.

Students claimed that the incident occurred around 1.30 am when a confrontation broke out during a march called by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union. The protest, named “Samta Juloos”, was headed towards the East Gate and was organised to demand the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit and the withdrawal of a rustication order.

According to protesters, several students were injured after alleged stone-throwing during the clash. They alleged that the university administration did not intervene during the march and instead permitted members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad to confront demonstrators.

However, the ABVP denied the allegations and countered that Left-affiliated organisations instigated the confrontation and were spreading misinformation about the events.

Left-backed groups, including the All India Students’ Association, claimed that ABVP activists targeted the JNUSU encampment and hurled stones at “unarmed students”, leading to multiple injuries.

Videos shared by students on social media reportedly showed chaotic scenes near the protest site, with members of rival groups engaged in heated exchanges and physical scuffles.

University authorities did not immediately respond to queries regarding the incident. Students said the situation on campus remained tense following the overnight clashes.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com