Plane crash: Gujarat CM orders rescue operation on war footing, Shah assures full support

In the aftermath of the crash of Air India Flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad on Thursday, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered rescue and relief operations to be carried out on a war footing.

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The flight, which was en route to London with 242 persons on board, crashed shortly after take-off near Meghaninagar’s Forensic Cross Road, triggering panic in the densely populated neighbourhood. Thick smoke was seen billowing from the crash site as rescue efforts intensified.

Related news: Air India plane with 242 on board crashes near Ahmedabad airport

Immediately after receiving news of the incident, the Chief Minister spoke to Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi and senior officials, directing them to mobilise all resources without delay.

He instructed the administration to establish a green corridor to expedite the transfer of injured passengers to nearby hospitals and to ensure that all necessary medical arrangements were made on priority.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reached out to CM Patel and assured full support from the Centre. “NDRF teams and other central agencies are being deployed for assistance in the rescue and relief operations,” Shah said, adding that every possible effort would be made to aid those affected by the tragedy.

Fire brigade teams, police, ambulances and NDRF personnel are currently at the site conducting rescue operations. Officials are yet to confirm the number of casualties or survivors. Further details are awaited as authorities continue to assess the situation on the ground.

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