Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani dies in Air India plane crash

The London-bound Air India plane, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed into a medical college complex in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon.

Updated on: Jun 12, 2025, 19:58:39 IST

By HT News Desk

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Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was among those killed in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon.

Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani during an interview in Gandhinagar.. (PTI)

"Our leader and former Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani, was going (to London) to meet his family. He is also a victim inf this incident. May his soul rest in peace. This is a big loss for the BJP," Union minister and Gujarat BJP president CR Patil told media.

Earlier, aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu had confirmed that Rupani was onboard the flight.

"Very sad to know that Vijay Rupani ji was also there, other nationals, and children were also there. Each and every life is precious. It's an incident which has shaken the nation," the minister said while talking to reporters. Follow LIVE updates here.

The London-bound Air India plane, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed into a medical college complex in Ahmedabad minutes after takeoff from the airport.

Air India said that of the total passengers onboard, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. Two pilots and ten cabin crew members were onboard.

Also Read | Passenger on seat 11A survived Air India crash, says trouble started 30 seconds into flight

The plane took off at 1:39pm and made a “Mayday” call just minutes later, signalling an emergency. It did not respond thereafter. A portion of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner hit the BJ Medical College hostel, where scores of students were having lunch at the mess.

“Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off,” the airline wrote in a post on X.

Also Read | Moments leading up to Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad: A blow-by-blow account

“The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information,” it added.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the plane crash, saying the accident is "heartbreaking beyond words".

"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," he wrote on X.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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