A plane crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state on Thursday shortly after departing for London's Gatwick airport.

Police said that 242 passengers and crew were on board at the time.

Follow our live updates for the latest from the Air India crash in Ahmedabad.

Air India Flight 171 'involved in a tragic accident'

"With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today," Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said in a statement.

Air India confirmed that the flight was carrying 169 Indian nationals. 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian.

"The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information," the airline said in an update on X.

Air India said it was giving its full cooperation to authorities investigating the incident.

The aircraft is listed as a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, capable of transporting more than 200 passengers.

Local television channels broadcast visuals of smoke billowing from the crash site, not far from the city's airport.

India's aviation minister expresses shock 

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he was "shocked and devastated to learn about the crash in Ahmedabad," in a post on X.

He said that rescue teams had been mobilized and that "all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site."

"My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families," the minister said. 

UK foreign office 'working with local authorities'

The United Kingdom's foreign office said in a statement that it was aware of the plane crash in Ahmedabad and that the UK "is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved."

The foreign office said that British nationals requiring consular assistance and those who had concerns about friends or family should make contact.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his sorrow over the crash and said he was being kept up to date with the situation.

"The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating," he said in a statement.

"I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time."

Edited by: Alex Berry