12 June,2025 05:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ajinkya Rahane, Sania Mirza, Pankaj Advani (Pic: File Pic)
An Air India aircraft en route to London tragically crashed in a residential area near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon, shortly after takeoff.
Flight AI 171, which was carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, went down just minutes after departing from the airport at approximately 2 pm, leading to fears of multiple casualties. Those injured in the crash were promptly rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.
The Boeing aircraft, seen rapidly losing altitude, crashed in the Meghaninagar locality, sending thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky, visible from several miles away.
Following the tragic incident, former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh shared his condolences, writing, 'shocked and deeply anguished to learn about the tragic Air India plane crash' on X.
Former Team India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan also reacted to the incident: 'Praying for the safety of all passengers and crew'.
Team India and domestic stalwart, Ajinkya Rahane, took to his official social media handle to express condolences for victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash.
"Such a heartbreaking tragedy!" wrote India's snooker star Pankaj Advani said.
"Praying praying praying," wrote Arjuna and Khel Ratna awardee Sania Mirza on her official social media handle.
India pacer Ishant Sharma, along with fellow cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Mayank Agarwal, also expressed their sorrow. Reflecting on the incident, Ishant remarked, "Moments like these remind us how fragile life truly is."
2010 Asian Games gold medallist Vijender Singh also extended his prayers for the passengers and crew members.
