In a heartbreaking update, Union Minister C.R. Patil confirmed that Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, died in the Air India AI-171 crash near Ahmedabad. The flight was headed to London but crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, killing all 242 people onboard.
Patil said in a statement, “Our leader, former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, was on that flight. He, too, has fallen victim to this tragic accident.”
Crash Near Ahmedabad Airport
The Air India flight — a Boeing 787 Dreamliner — had taken off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. It was only in the air for a few minutes when the aircraft began to descend rapidly. It then crashed into a fireball, and thick black smoke filled the skies above Meghani Nagar near the airport.
AI-171 Was Bound for London
Flight AI-171 was traveling to London’s Gatwick Airport. Onboard were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian passenger. The 12-member crew also lost their lives in the accident.
C.R. Patil expressed deep sorrow over the former CM’s death. “May God grant peace to his soul,” he said. He called the incident “a deep blow to the BJP family as well.”
The Pilot Issued a Distress Call
India’s aviation regulator, DGCA, confirmed that the pilot had sent a Mayday distress call to Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control just after takeoff. But after that message, there was no further contact from the cockpit.
Experienced Pilots Were in Command
The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with over 8,200 hours of flying experience. His co-pilot, First Officer Clive Kundar, had completed 1,100 flight hours.
Government Launches Full Investigation
After the crash, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) began a full investigation. Top officials, including the Director General and Director of Investigation, are traveling to Ahmedabad to examine the scene and gather evidence.
They aim to find out what caused one of the deadliest plane crashes in India’s recent aviation history.