The aircraft took off at 1:38 p.m. local time but lost signal after reaching just 625 feet in altitude. It came down in Meghani Nagar, a residential neighborhood near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Emergency crews responded quickly, and thick smoke was seen billowing from the scene.

India’s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu confirmed that response teams are on-site and working diligently to assist those affected. “We are on highest alert,” he said, offering prayers for the passengers, crew, and their families. The nation awaits further updates as rescue operations continue.