The Air India flight to London crashed in Ahmedabad within munites of the take-off Thursday afternoon. There were 232 passengers and 10 crew members aboard, and reports suggest there was slim chances of anyone surviving.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed and exploded in a fireball barely outside the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport permieter, in the densely populated area of Meghaninagar. Parts of the airplane landed on some of the building of the BJ Medical College, affiliated with the Civil Hospital -- the biggest hospital of Gujarat. There have been unconfirmed reports of high casualties on ground too. 

President Droupadi Murmu in a message said, "I am deeply distressed to learn about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. It is a heart-rending disaster. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief."

Prime minister Narendra Modi said, "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected."

Home minister Amit Shah and civil aviation minister Rammohan Naidu left for Ahmedabad to take stock of the situation.

Former Gujarat cheif minister Vijay Rupani was among the passengers on the ill-fated flight.

This is said to be the first time the famed Dreamliner has crashed. 

N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons that runs Air India, said in a ststaement: "We are deeply anguished by the tragic event involving Air India Flight 171. ... Tata Group will provide ₹1 crore to the families of each person who has lost their life in this tragedy. We will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support. Additionally, we will provide support in the building up of the B J Medical's hostel."