<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>An Air India plane headed for London has crashed with more than 240 people on board in the north-west Indian city of Ahmedabad, in Gujarat state, according to local officials and the airline.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran confirmed flight AI171, bound for London's Gatwick Airport, was involved in a "tragic accident" and the responsible minister said the government was on the "highest alert".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event," Chandrasekaran said in a statement.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the director general of the directorate of civil aviation, told The Associated Press that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar five minutes after taking off at 1.38pm (6.08pm AEST).</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Chandrasekaran said the airline's primary focus would be supporting the passengers and their families.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted," he said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/world/india-plane-crash-air-india-flight-bound-for-london-crashes-in-ahmedabad/6806fd41-e9da-4bb5-949b-29388bec109d" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>India's Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, said he was "shocked and devastated" to learn about the crash.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action," he said in a statement.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>There are no confirmations of any injuries or fatalities.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><em><span>This is a developing story. More to come. </span></em></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><em></em><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/how-to-follow-9news-digital/29855bb1-ad3d-4c38-bc25-3cb52af1216f" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP</span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span>: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the</span></em></strong><span> </span><a href="https://apps.apple.com/au/app/9news/id1010533727" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>Apple App Store</span></em></strong></a><span> </span><strong><em><span>and</span></em></strong><span> </span><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nineNewsAlerts.nine.com&amp;hl=en_AU&amp;pli=1" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>Google Play</span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span>.</span></em></strong></div></div>