Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Dies In Ahmedabad Air India Plane Crash
A peaceful afternoon turned tragic on June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI 171 crashed just five minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. The devastating crash took the lives of 242 people on board, including Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The news that Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Dies In Ahmedabad Air India Plane Crash has left the entire nation in shock and mourning.
According to the passenger list, Vijay Rupani was in seat 2D, on his way to London to meet his daughter. His sudden passing has created a massive void in Gujarat politics and national leadership.
Contents
Timeline of the Tragedy
- Time of Departure: 1:38 PM from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
- Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- Crash Site: Meghani Nagar residential area near a medical college hostel
- Fatalities: 242 on board – 230 adults, 2 infants, and 12 crew members
The flight was en route to Gatwick Airport, UK. Within just two minutes of ascent, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed, creating a massive blaze and panic in the area. Immediate emergency response followed, but the damage had already been done.
About Vijay Rupani
- Full Name: Vijay Ramniklal Rupani
- Born: August 2, 1956, in Yangon (Myanmar)
- Political Party: BJP
- Major Roles:
- Mayor of Rajkot (1996–1997)
- Rajya Sabha MP (2006–2012)
- Gujarat Transport, Labour & Water Supply Minister
- Gujarat BJP President
- 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat (2016–2021)
A soft-spoken leader known for strategic clarity, Vijay Rupani played a vital role in Gujarat’s post-pandemic economic rebuilding. Even after stepping down, he remained a core strategist and influencer in BJP circles.
Official Confirmations
CR Patil, Gujarat BJP chief, confirmed:
“Our respected leader was flying to London to visit his family. Sadly, Vijaybhai Rupani has left us in this horrific tragedy.”
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu stated:
“We will investigate this thoroughly. It is heartbreaking to know that Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani dies in Ahmedabad Air India plane crash.”
Flight and Passenger Details
As per Air India’s official post on X:
“Flight AI 171 carried 242 passengers and crew members: 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese nationals.”
Ahmedabad Airport Operations Suspended
Due to the crash, Ahmedabad Airport suspended all operations temporarily.
Fire Officer Jayesh Khadia reported that the aircraft caught fire immediately after impact and multiple fire brigades were deployed to douse the flames.
Cause of the Crash Under Investigation
The aircraft’s black box has been recovered and will be crucial in the investigation. Although the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has a strong safety record, experts are analyzing whether a technical or human error led to this disaster.
National Reaction
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief:
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. My thoughts are with all affected families.”
Remembering Past Air India Disasters
India has witnessed similar tragedies before:
- 2020 Kozhikode Crash: 18 dead during a runway overshoot.
- 2010 Mangaluru Crash: 158 dead after aircraft fell into a ravine.
Emergency Contact Numbers
- Air India Helpline:
- 011-24610843
- 9650391859
- 1800 5691 444
For more on the developing story:
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Air India Aircraft With 242 Onboard Crashes Near Takeoff
The news that Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Dies In Ahmedabad Air India Plane Crash has shaken the nation. As authorities continue investigations, India mourns not just the loss of a beloved leader but of every soul onboard Flight AI 171. The nation stands united in grief and in hope for answers.
Lone Survivor in Ahmedabad Plane Crash: A Miracle Amid the Tragedy
In the midst of the heartbreaking loss that India witnessed with the crash of Air India Flight AI 171, a story of sheer miracle has emerged — a lone survivor.
His name is Ramesh Vishwaskumar, and he was allotted Seat 11A on the ill-fated flight. While rescue teams sifted through the wreckage, hoping against hope, they found Ramesh alive — injured but conscious.
It’s being called nothing short of a miracle.
According to first responders, Ramesh was found trapped between collapsed seat structures and overhead luggage compartments. Shielded by a portion of the aircraft’s midsection that remained momentarily intact, he escaped fatal burns and trauma that affected most others onboard.
“Miracles do happen,” said a senior emergency officer on site. “Given the scale of this crash, his survival defies all odds.”
Ramesh is currently under intensive care at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and is being monitored closely. Doctors have confirmed that while he has sustained multiple fractures and internal injuries, his vitals are stable.
This unexpected survival offers a sliver of hope in an otherwise tragic chapter of India’s aviation history. Authorities are hoping that Ramesh’s account will be instrumental in understanding the final moments before the crash and possibly identifying any last-minute warning signs.
