Air India Tragedy in Ahmedabad: Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Among 240+ Lives Lost

Ahmedabad, June 13, 2025 — In a devastating blow to India’s aviation history, Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad on June 12. The catastrophe has claimed the lives of more than 240 people — marking it as one of the deadliest air disasters in the country in decades.

Tragically, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, a respected BJP leader known for his approachable demeanour, was among those on board. Rupani, 68, was headed to London to reunite with his wife and daughter. Reports from June 12 confirm that he died in the crash, sending shockwaves through the state and beyond.

The Crash

Flight AI 171 lifted off at approximately 1:39 p.m. local time but lost altitude within moments, colliding with the residential hostel of BJ Medical College in Meghani Nagar — a densely populated area near the airport. Only one passenger, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, survived the crash. He was seated in row 11A and escaped with serious injuries.

Survivor Ramesh later described a loud explosion before the cabin erupted in flames. Investigators, supported by teams from the U.S. NTSB, Boeing, and GE Aerospace, are examining whether malfunctioning landing gear or flaps caused the mishap.

Scale of the Disaster

• Passengers & crew: 240+ lost their lives; only 1 survivor
• Ground casualties: At least 20+ people in the hostel area perished
• International impact: Among the passengers were 169 Indians, 53 British citizens, one Canadian, and a few from Portugal

Response and Aftermath

Rescue and relief operations involved NDRF, IAF, BSF, NSG, and local emergency teams. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), alongside global experts, is leading the probe. One black box has been recovered; the second is still being located.

India may temporarily ground the Boeing 787-8 fleet pending safety checks. Meanwhile, Air India—now part of the Tata Group—has promised full support to families of the victims, issuing ₹1 crore compensation per deceased and free medical care for the injured.

World leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, UK’s King Charles III, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and others have mourned the loss. Flags at official buildings are flying half-mast as investigations continue with international cooperation .

Remembering Vijay Rupani

Vijay Rupani, former two-term Gujarat CM (2016–2021), was celebrated not just for his political acumen but also his reputed simplicity and kindness. A close aide noted that he was traveling to London to “bring back his wife,” who had been there with their daughter. His surprising belief in the number 1206—which adorned his vehicles for years—became poignant: June 12 (12/06) was tragically his final flight.

Condolence messages continue to pour in from across political lines and communities in Gujarat. Mumbai’s Bhupendra Patel, BJP colleagues, and even political opponents have described his death as “a loss for the state and the nation.”

What Happens Next?

The official investigation is focusing on aircraft mechanics, cockpit communication records, and possible design or maintenance failures. Regulatory authorities will also determine if the Boeing Dreamliner fleet can safely resume flights. At the same time, Air India is providing logistical and emotional support to grieving families, including emergency travel arrangements for relatives and crisis centres in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and London.

The Ahmedabad tragedy is more than a technical failure—it’s a national mourning point. A pioneering leader, Vijay Rupani, perished alongside hundreds of passengers and residents, leaving behind grief that extends from Rajkot to London. As investigations progress, India—and its aviation industry—must reckon with both the personal and systemic lessons of this calamity.