Ahmedabad/New Delhi: A UK-bound Air India flight with 242 people on board crashed
near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon.
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among those killed in the crash. Mr Rupani, 68, was the Chief Minister from 2016 till 2021. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while confirming the death of Vijay Rupani, said he was ‘pained by the tragic demise of former Gujarat Chief Minister Rupani ji in the unfortunate plane crash in Ahmedabad. He will be remembered as a grass-root leader who devoted his life for the development and welfare of his state.’ Mr Singh said.
BJP Gujarat chief C R Patil also confirmed the demise of Mr Rupani.
Details about casualties were not known immediately and there was no official statement on the number of casualties. One person who was sitting on seat no. 11 A, was admitted to hospital even as the kin of other passengers frantically looked for any survivors.
The aircraft lost contact within minutes of takeoff and went down in the Meghani Nagar area.
Rescue operations were on. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were brought in from Gandhinagar.
The Air India flight, a Boeing Dreamliner 787, crashed in a densely populated area near the airport. Immediately after the crash, local residents rushed to the area to help with rescue efforts.
There were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, one Canadian and seven Portuguese nationals on board. There were 12 crew members.
Air India in a post on X, said “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident 12 June 2025.” It said Air India continues to ascertain the details.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic crash. In a post on X, President Droupadi Murmu said she was “deeply distressed” to learn about the incident and called it a “heart-rending disaster.”
“I am deeply distressed to learn about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. It is a heart-rending disaster. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief,” the President said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi while describing the tragedy as ‘heartbreaking beyond words,’ said ‘the tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.’
The Prime Minister spoke to Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and directed them to ensure that all necessary support is extended immediately and has asked to be kept regularly updated on the situation.
The Civil Aviation Minister Minister informed the Prime Minister that he was rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground.
Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran said XXX Editors pick up from Para eight of Accident Air India Third Lead crash.
UNI
