Air India Boeing jet crashes shortly after takeoff

An Air India flight bound for the U.K. crashed shortly after taking off in the western city of Ahmedabad Thursday.

The plane was reportedly carrying 242 people. The number of casualties has not yet been officially confirmed.

The aircraft involved is a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, according to Flightradar24.

A Boeing spokesperson said via e-mail: “We are aware of initial reports and are working to gather more information.”

Shares of Boeing (NYSE:BA) are down -8% premarket.

State officials said the crash occurred about nine minutes after the plane was cleared for takeoff. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation stated that the aircraft took off from Ahmedabad at 1:39 pm local time and issued a Mayday call shortly after takeoff. Attempts by air traffic control to re-establish contact were unsuccessful.

All operations at Ahmedabad’s international airport have been suspended following the crash. Officials said the airport will remain closed until further notice.

Thick smoke at the scene has made rescue efforts difficult, and operations are still ongoing. A National Disaster Response Force team is also on the way.

“With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event,” Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said in a post from majority owner Tata Group.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu after the crash and directed them to travel to Ahmedabad to ensure all possible support is provided to those affected.

This would be the first recorded crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft began commercial service. The plane involved was reportedly delivered to Air India in January 2014.