In a heartbreaking confirmation, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has died in today’s catastrophic Air India Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, went down shortly after takeoff, marking one of India’s worst aviation tragedies in decades.
Confirmed: Vijay Rupani Perishes in Flight AI 171 Crash
last pic taken…
- Political Leader Lost: The former CM was traveling to London to visit his daughter when the disaster struck
- Family Tragedy: His wife, Anjali Rupani, who was already in London, has been informed of his death
- National Mourning: Prime Minister Narendra Modi led tributes, calling Rupani “a dedicated leader who served Gujarat tirelessly”
Horrific Crash Details
1. The Final Moments
- Flight: AI 171 (Ahmedabad to London Gatwick)
- Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner (300 capacity, 242 onboard)
- Crash Time: Approximately 15 minutes after takeoff
- Impact Zone: Slammed into airport perimeter wall before crashing into medical hostel
2. Fatal Consequences
- No Survivors: All 242 passengers and crew confirmed dead
- Secondary Casualties: Several junior doctors injured in hostel impact
- Fireball: High fuel load caused intense, uncontrollable flames
Investigation Launched Into Causes
Authorities are examining:
🔍 Black box recovery for cockpit voice recordings
🔍 Maintenance records of the 8-year-old aircraft
🔍 Air traffic control communications prior to crash
Expert Opinion:
“Given the vertical descent pattern, this suggests either catastrophic system failure or extreme wind shear,” said aviation analyst Capt. Mohan Ranganathan.
National Response & Condolences
- PM Modi: Declared national mourning, ordered full investigation
- Gujarat Government: Crisis cell established, compensation announced
- Air India: CEO pledges “complete transparency” in probe
Heartbreaking Scenes at Crash Site
📹 Video Evidence: ABP News footage shows wreckage spread over 500 meters
💔 Personal Effects: Passport pages, luggage items scattered in debris
🚑 Medical Response: 42 ambulances deployed; mortuaries overwhelmed
Historical Context
This becomes:
☠️ Deadliest India crash since 2010 Mangalore Air India Express disaster (158 dead)
✈️ First major 787 Dreamliner fatality since aircraft’s 2011 debut
What Next?
- Victim Identification: DNA matching to begin for unidentifiable remains
- Global Repercussions: Boeing stock plunges 8% in pre-market trading
- Memorial Plans: Gujarat to build monument at crash site
Official Helpline: +91-79-2286-9601 (Air India Crisis Center)