Air India: Former Times of India journalist highlights ‘vital communication’ after 'devastating' plane crash

The London Gatwick-bound Boeing aircraft came down in the Meghaninagar area near the airport at approximately 2pm local time.

The plane appeared to lose altitude rapidly moments after departure. Witnesses reported seeing thick black smoke billowing from the crash site, visible for miles around the area.

Mittra who used to work at the Times of India, said: "The time between take-off and the crash appears to have been very, very short.

I just hope and pray that the number of casualties on the ground is not as high as feared. Fingers crossed.

"I haven’t seen any fresh images at the moment, but prayers for everyone on the ground. There's already been a tragic loss of life, and we can only hope there are no further casualties.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Former pilot says that London-bound Air India plane crash is 'a puzzle': 'Very hard to understand'
• London-bound flight with 53 Britons on board crashes just after take off and erupts into fireball
• French police stand and WATCH migrants attempting to board small boat - 'It's difficult!'

"It’s going to be an uphill task now for the state administration and everyone involved in the rescue operations.

"Securing the safety of those on the ground is critically important. As you said, setting up communication lines is vital especially at times like these. Communication is everything.

"Just imagine the relatives waiting at Gatwick Airport, or other airports in London. I can’t imagine their pain those who dropped off loved ones and hadn’t even reached home when this news broke.

"To hear and process something like this is unimaginable. This tragedy is enormous. It's absolutely shocking."

WATCH: Eyewitness video shows black smoke billowing after Air India plane crash

Air India confirmed the incident on social media platform X, stating: "Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025.

"At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest on http://airindia.com and on our X handle."

The flight had been scheduled to arrive at London Gatwick later in the day.

Emergency services responded swiftly to the crash site in the densely populated Meghaninagar neighbourhood.

Fire officer Jayesh Khadia confirmed that multiple fire tenders were dispatched to combat the blaze engulfing the wreckage.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Kanan Desai told reporters: "We are acquiring details about the casualties." Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of victims.

Several injured individuals were transported to the city civil hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Camera crews who gained access to the crash area captured footage of the aircraft's wreckage scattered across the residential area.

Emergency responders launched intensive rescue, evacuation and firefighting operations at the scene, with authorities working to secure the safety of residents in the surrounding area.