Air India Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, has crashed just moments after takeoff — leaving behind plumes of thick black smoke and a stunned global aviation community.

According to Indian authorities, the jet was carrying 242 people, including 232 passengers and 12 crew members. According to the airline, 53 British nationals were on board the Air India flight when it crashed.

The aircraft went down in a densely populated residential area known as Meghani Nagar, just outside Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat, Indian Civil Aviation Director General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai confirmed to the Associated Press.This is a developing story. More updates will follow as authorities release further information.Watch more