A London-bound passenger aircraft carrying 242 people crashed shortly after take-off from Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, in one of the most serious aviation accidents in India in recent years.
The flight, operated by Air Bharat, lost altitude minutes after departing at approximately 10:46 AM IST, and crashed into an open field in the outskirts of Gurugram, Haryana. Plumes of smoke and flames were visible from several kilometers away, prompting immediate emergency response.
Casualties and Survivors
As of the latest reports, over 50 fatalities have been confirmed, and more than 100 passengers have been injured, many critically. The aircraft was reportedly at near full capacity, carrying 229 passengers and 13 crew members, including several foreign nationals and children.
Rescue operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire services, and local police are ongoing. Survivors are being rushed to nearby hospitals in Gurugram and Delhi. Authorities have set up a control room for relatives seeking information about loved ones.
Eyewitness Accounts
“I saw the plane tilting unusually just moments after take-off, then heard a loud explosion,” said a local resident who was among the first to reach the crash site. “Parts of the plane were scattered across the field, and many passengers were trying to escape through broken sections of the fuselage.”
Preliminary Investigation
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have initiated a full probe. While the cause remains undetermined, sources indicate a potential engine malfunction or bird strike may have contributed to the crash. The aircraft’s black box has been located and will be sent for analysis.
Government & Airline Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the tragedy and assured full support to victims’ families. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced an ex-gratia compensation and has ordered safety checks across the national fleet.
Air Bharat, the national carrier, expressed deep regret in an official statement, confirming the crash and stating:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, crew, and their families during this difficult time. We are working closely with authorities and rescue teams and have activated our emergency response center.”
International Attention
Given the flight’s destination, London Heathrow, UK authorities have been notified. The British High Commission in New Delhi is assisting with identifying any UK nationals on board.
Ongoing Developments
This crash is among the deadliest in India since 2010. Aviation experts have called for urgent reviews of take-off protocols and safety systems. Meanwhile, airports across the country have been placed on heightened alert.
Further updates will follow as the investigation develops and more information becomes available.
