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Vijay Rupani feared among 242 as Air India London flight crashes
Indiatimes | June 12, 2025 10:39 PM CST

In a horrifying turn of events, an Air India flight carrying 242 people, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171 to London Gatwick, plummeted near Meghani Nagar, a densely populated neighbourhood.

Eyewitnesses reported thick black smoke billowing from the crash site, as screams and chaos erupted moments after the aircraft nosedived. Flight tracking data revealed the plane took off at 1:39 pm and lost contact just five minutes later.

Passengers and crew in grave peril

The doomed flight was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Sources revealed that Vijay Rupani, who served as Gujarat’s Chief Minister from 2016 to 2021, was among those onboard. His presence has not been officially confirmed but has sparked immense concern.

The aircraft, piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kunder, was one of Air India’s flagship Dreamliners. Civil Aviation officials confirmed that the crash was instantaneous post-takeoff, leaving little time for distress signals or evasive action.

As per the reports by AajTak, out of the total  of 242 people, 52 were British, 6 were from Portugal and 1 from Canada, and the rest were from India.

Nationwide shock and emergency response

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Gujarat’s Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other senior authorities, urging immediate relief and federal coordination. Shah also offered the Centre’s complete support in tackling the crisis.

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, visibly shaken, stated he was “shocked and devastated” by the crash. He assured that rescue units were on high alert, and medical teams had been dispatched to the site.

Air India, DGCA, and airport authorities react

Air India confirmed the incident on social media, noting that details were still being ascertained. Chairman N Chandrasekaran expressed condolences, stating the airline's immediate priority was supporting affected families and coordinating with emergency teams.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the aircraft involved was a B787 Dreamliner registered as VT-ANB. The airport has since suspended all operations.

State government acts swiftly

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered a green corridor for transporting the injured and mobilised medical care on a war footing. The situation remains fluid, with fears rising about the death toll.

As India reels from the impact of yet another air disaster, questions now swirl around the cause, and whether this tragedy could have been prevented.

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