Ahmedabad – A tragic aviation disaster, now widely referred to as the Ahmedabad plane crash, struck Gujarat on Thursday afternoon when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, crashed just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft was carrying 242 people — 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Preliminary reports suggest that the chances of survivors are slim.
Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Was Onboard
It has been confirmed that Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, was onboard the ill-fated flight. According to official passenger manifests and his Air India e-ticket, Rupani was traveling to London and was expected to return on June 30.
Rupani’s Political Career at a Glance:
- Chief Minister of Gujarat (2016–2021)
- MLA from Rajkot West
- Former Minister of Transport, Labour & Employment, and Water Supply
- President of BJP Gujarat (Feb–Aug 2016)
- Former Rajya Sabha MP (2006–2012)
- Began political journey as a corporator in Rajkot in 1987, later serving as mayor
- Held multiple senior positions in BJP, including heading the Gujarat Municipal Finance Board in 2013 under then-CM Narendra Modi
No official word has been released yet regarding his status following the crash.
Update
Dense Smoke, Panic in Residential Area
The crash occurred near Meghani Nagar, a densely populated locality in Ahmedabad. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the aircraft descended at low altitude and exploded into a fireball. The plane’s debris landed atop a doctors’ hostel, raising fears of additional casualties on the ground. Visuals show plumes of thick grey smoke engulfing the area. Emergency teams are rushing injured victims to hospitals.
Flight Path and Distress Call
The aircraft, operating as AI171, took off at 1:38 PM IST from runway 23. Soon after liftoff, the pilots issued a MAYDAY call. Nevertheless, communication was lost within moments. ADS-B data reveals the aircraft reached an altitude of 625 feet before rapidly descending at a rate of –475 feet per minute. The crash followed within five minutes of takeoff.
PM Modi, Ministers Respond Swiftly
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reviewed the situation and ordered immediate relief and rescue measures. According to a top PMO official, “all central agencies are on high alert.”
Home Minister Amit Shah expressed “deep sorrow” and confirmed that he is en route to Ahmedabad. “. “The terrible plane catastrophe has left me in excruciating pain… There are disaster response teams present. I’ve spoken to the Gujarat CM and police officials for a full assessment,” Shah posted on X.
“Shocked and devastated,” said Ram Mohan Naidu, minister of civil aviation, who is currently on his way to Ahmedabad. We are on the highest alert. Rescue teams have been mobilised.”
Rescue Ops in Full Swing
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has directed authorities to conduct rescue operations on a war footing. “A green corridor has been created to transport the injured. All hospitals in Ahmedabad are on emergency alert,” he stated.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed three teams (90 personnel) from Gandhinagar, with additional teams arriving from Vadodara. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has also dispatched its Director General to the site.
International Passengers Onboard
Air India confirmed that passengers onboard included:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British citizens
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- 1 Canadian citizen
The British High Commission in India said it is working closely with Indian authorities:
“We are urgently working to establish the facts and provide support to families.”
UK authorities have activated emergency protocols for citizen identification and assistance.
Unconfirmed reports suggest former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani may have been on board. As of now, however, no official statement has been released on his status
Statements from Airlines and Industry
Air India Chairperson N. Chandrasekaran said in a statement:
“With profound sorrow, I confirm that AI171 was involved in a tragic accident today. An emergency centre has been activated. Our deepest condolences to all families affected.”
IndiGo Airlines also extended condolences:
“We stand in solidarity with Air India during this difficult time.”
Boeing Shares Plunge
News of the crash sent Boeing’s stock tumbling by 7.8% in pre-market trading to $197.30. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a model known for long-haul operations.
Meanwhile, while Boeing has not yet issued a public statement, a technical investigation team is expected to arrive in India soon to assist local authorities.
Airport Operations Halted
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has been temporarily closed, with all departures and arrivals suspended. Passengers have been advised to contact their airlines for updates.
Social Media Footage and Witness Accounts
Locals captured videos showing the aircraft flying unusually low before crashing. Residents described hearing a “massive explosion” followed by “flaming debris” scattering across buildings and roads.
National Reactions
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee expressed grief:
“Stunned and profoundly shocked… The crash has deeply saddened me. My prayers are with the affected families.”
Current Situation
Ahmedabad – A tragic aviation disaster, now widely known as the Ahmedabad plane crash, unfolded on Thursday afternoon when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, crashed just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The Ahmedabad plane crash involved 242 people — 230 passengers and 12 crew members — and has raised serious concerns, as preliminary reports indicate that the chances of survivors are slim.
