Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the passengers on the Air India flight that crashed near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, headed to London, went down just five minutes after takeoff. As per the passenger manifest, “Vijay Ramniklal Rupani” was listed as the 12th passenger. He was seated in Z class, which corresponds to Business Class.
According to a media report, outside Vijay Rupani’s Rajkot residence, visuals capture a tense and emotional scene. Concerned neighbours, some with tearful eyes, have started gathering near his home. A sense of worry and uncertainty hangs in the air as everyone waits for official confirmation.
“Yes, I’ve received word that the plane has crashed, and that Vijay Rupani was on board. But nothing is confirmed yet. We are extremely worried. We live right next door. We’ve been neighbours since 1988. We’re like family. My husband was their family doctor and very close to them. I just can’t believe this has happened,” said a woman named Kiran to the media, almost breaking down as she spoke.
The flight was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, one of whom is the former Gujarat Chief Minister. According to the passenger list, the flight took off with 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian.
Rupani served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from August 2016 to September 2021, before resigning ahead of the 2022 state elections.
Emergency services have been rushed to the spot following the crash, including seven fire engines. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that instructions have been given to authorities in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar to “arrange a green corridor for swiftly transporting the injured”.
Patel has also called for ensuring that all necessary facilities at the hospitals are in place as a top priority.
Visuals from areas surrounding the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport showed thick plumes of black smoke rising into the sky.
The aircraft was identified as Air India Flight 171, which, according to online flight trackers, had taken off from Ahmedabad en route to London’s Gatwick Airport.
Passengers list:
