June 12, 2025: A devastating plane crash at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has plunged the nation into mourning, with at least 170 fatalities confirmed by civil hospital sources. The Air India Dreamliner Boeing 787-8, operating flight AI171 bound for London, went down shortly after takeoff, crashing near the densely populated Horse Camp area.
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Among the 242 individuals onboard – including 230 passengers and 12 crew – was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, whose name on the flight manifest has triggered widespread concern and speculation.
Why Was Vijay Rupani Travelling?
Sources close to the Rupani family revealed that the former CM was en route to London to bring back his wife, Anjaliben Rupani, who has reportedly been residing in the UK for the past six months. According to flight records, Rupani was seated in 2-D in the business class cabin.
As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding his condition. The uncertainty has sent shockwaves through Rupani’s hometown of Rajkot, where locals anxiously await updates. “We are all very worried. We are glued to our TVs and phones,” said a neighbour, expressing the anxiety shared across the city.
Crash Details and Emergency Response
The ill-fated flight crashed around 1:17 PM, minutes after departure. Eyewitness videos captured the aircraft struggling to gain altitude before it slammed into the ground and erupted in flames. Emergency services responded swiftly, with firefighters, ambulances, and police units deployed at the scene.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has not ruled out causes, citing possibilities ranging from mechanical failure to runway complications. Investigators are now combing through wreckage for black box data and technical clues.
Political & Public Reaction
The presence of a prominent political figure like Vijay Rupani onboard has added a complex dimension to the already catastrophic event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have been briefed and have directed officials to ensure swift relief and a thorough investigation. Shah is expected to visit the crash site later today.
Ongoing Rescue and Recovery
Rescue operations continue around the clock, with multiple bodies recovered and survivors rushed to nearby hospitals. The area remains cordoned off, and authorities are urging citizens to stay away to avoid obstructing emergency efforts.
As the nation grapples with the scale of this tragedy, attention remains fixed on the unfolding investigation – and on whether Vijay Rupani, and others still unaccounted for, have survived.