This story was originally published by the WND News Center.

Two hundred forty-two people are believed to have died when an Air India passenger jet leaving Ahmedabad en route to London crashed on takeoff.

Police confirmed it "appears there are no survivors."

Air India flight AI 171 crashed into Meghani Nagar, a residential area of the city.

Local video showed smoke billowing from the wreckage at the crash site. Pilots had issued a "MayDay" call to air traffic controllers before hitting the ground and buildings there.

Video also showed the jet, with its landing gear still down, gradually losing altitude.

"With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event," Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran wrote on X.

"At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. 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," Chandrasekaran added.

The airline said 169 passengers are from India, 53 from Britain, 7 from Portugal and 1 from Canada.