Ahmedabad | June 12, 2025 — Tragedy struck the nation on Thursday afternoon as Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London-Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff. The devastating incident occurred near the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad, sending shockwaves across the country.

While search and recovery efforts are still ongoing, a significant and heartbreaking detail has come to light: Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is believed to have been one of the passengers onboard. The confirmation came from a senior BJP leader, who shared the information on X (formerly Twitter) and during an interaction with reporters.

A Nation in Shock

As the news broke, people across Gujarat and India were left stunned. The possible presence of such a prominent political figure on the ill-fated flight has added a deeply personal layer of grief to an already tragic event.

According to initial reports, Flight AI171 took off at 1:38 PM IST from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Just moments after takeoff, the pilot issued a distress signal, but the plane rapidly lost altitude and crashed within minutes, smashing into a building near the B.J. Medical College hostel area.

Thick black smoke engulfed the area, and residents reported hearing a loud explosion, followed by chaos and panic as flames consumed the crash site.

BJP Leader’s Statement

A senior BJP leader from Gujarat posted a heartfelt message:

“We are deeply distressed to learn that our respected leader Shri Vijay Rupani ji may have been aboard the Air India flight that crashed today. We await official confirmation, but our thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected by this horrific tragedy.”

Though official confirmation from the airline or civil authorities is awaited regarding individual passenger identities, the speculation has sent waves of sorrow through the political community.

About Vijay Rupani

Vijay Rupani, 68, served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021. Known for his humble demeanor and clean political image, he was a long-time member of the Bharatiya Janata Party and played a key role in the state’s development during his tenure.

Born in Rangoon (now Yangon, Myanmar) in 1956, Rupani migrated to India with his family during his early childhood. He was known for his administrative skills, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and the urban development of Gujarat.

After stepping down from his role as CM, Rupani remained active in political and social circles. His presence on the London-bound flight is believed to have been for a personal visit or a public engagement, but details remain unclear.

The Crash: What We Know So Far

• Flight Number: Air India AI171

• Aircraft Type: Boeing 787 Dreamliner

• Passengers & Crew: 242 onboard (230 passengers + 12 crew)

• Location of Crash: Meghani Nagar, near B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad

• Time of Takeoff: 1:38 PM IST

• Time of Crash: Less than 3 minutes after takeoff

The plane was fully fueled for the long-haul flight to London, which contributed to the massive fire and explosions witnessed after the crash. Emergency responders rushed to the site within minutes, and efforts to douse the fire and recover bodies are still ongoing.

So far, over 200 bodies have been recovered, and several people on the ground were also reportedly killed or injured due to the impact and resulting fire.

Rescue and Investigation

Local police, fire services, NDRF teams, and medical personnel worked together at the crash site, battling intense heat and debris. The crash occurred in a populated zone, which complicated rescue efforts.

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India authorities have launched a formal investigation. A team from Boeing is also being sent to India to support the investigation and review technical data from the aircraft.

Flight AI171 had no known prior issues, and the crew onboard included experienced pilots. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar both had thousands of flying hours under their belts.

Voices of Grief and Condolence

As the nation grapples with the magnitude of the disaster, condolences poured in from leaders across the political spectrum:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the Ahmedabad crash. My prayers are with the families. Every life lost is a national loss.”

• Home Minister Amit Shah called the incident a “black day in aviation history” and assured all possible support to the victims’ families.

• BJP President J.P. Nadda expressed shock over the possible loss of Vijay Rupani, calling him “a guiding light and humble leader who always served the people first.”

If Confirmed, a Void That Cannot Be Filled

Though we still await final confirmation, the possible loss of Vijay Rupani in the crash has deeply shaken not just Gujarat, but the entire country. His calm leadership and long years of public service had earned him admiration from across the political aisle.

If confirmed, his passing would be a profound loss not just to the BJP, but to Indian politics as a whole. His simplicity, devotion to public life, and grounded approach made him a people’s leader in the truest sense.

What’s Next?

• Air India has activated emergency protocols and set up a dedicated helpline for family members.

• Authorities are working to identify remains using forensic methods, especially as many were severely burned.

• Flight records, including the black box and cockpit voice recorder, will be crucial in determining the exact cause of the crash.

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