Former Gujarat Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Vijay Rupani was among the passengers who lost their lives in the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday.
According to Air India, the aircraft was en route to Gatwick Airport in the UK when it tragically crashed into a civilian area near the airport, specifically into a medical college hostel building in the Meghani Nagar locality, just two minutes after takeoff. The crash triggered a massive fire and widespread panic in the densely populated area.
Flight details
Air India confirmed in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the flight departed at 1:38 PM IST and was carrying 242 individuals, including passengers and crew members. Among them were:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British nationals
- 1 Canadian national
- 7 Portuguese nationals
The flight was operated using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, one of the most modern and advanced wide-body aircraft in the world, known for its strong safety record and operational efficiency.
Vijay Rupani was headed to London
According to the official seat chart, Vijay Rupani, aged 68, was seated in Seat 2D. He was reportedly travelling to London to visit his daughter. His sudden death has sent shockwaves across the political landscape, especially in Gujarat where he had served as Chief Minister from 2016 to 2021.
Black Box recovered
Rescue teams working at the crash site confirmed that the aircraft’s black box has been successfully recovered. The Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) are expected to provide critical information for investigators to determine the exact cause of the crash. These devices capture flight parameters, pilot conversations, and system alerts, offering a second-by-second account of the aircraft's final moments.
Reactions from the Prime Minister
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy. In a post on X, he wrote, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”
The Prime Minister’s statement reflects the national gravity of the disaster, which ranks among the most devastating aviation incidents in recent years.
A Look Back at Previous Air India Crashes
This incident adds to the list of tragic air disasters in Indian aviation history involving Air India:
- August 2020: An Air India Express Boeing 737 crashed at Kozhikode airport in Kerala after skidding off the runway during heavy rain. 18 people died, and 16 others were seriously injured.
- May 2010: An Air India Express flight from Dubai to Mangaluru overshot the runway and plunged into a ravine, resulting in 158 fatalities. It remains one of the deadliest air crashes in Indian aviation history.
Authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and aviation experts, are currently investigating the cause of the crash. The recovery of the black box is expected to shed light on the technical or human factors that may have contributed to the incident.
As rescue operations continue and next of kin are notified, the nation mourns the loss of 242 lives, including a veteran political figure who was a prominent part of Gujarat’s political history.
Also Read: Ahmedabad plane crash: 5 dead at medical students' hostel
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