KKN Gurugram Desk | In a tragic and shocking turn of events, an Air India flight AI 171, scheduled to fly from Ahmedabad to London, crashed moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight was carrying a total of 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members.

Among the passengers onboard the ill-fated flight was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, as confirmed by the initial passenger manifest released by the airline authorities.

Flight AI 171: Catastrophe Just Minutes After Takeoff

The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft took off at 1:38 PM IST on June 12. Within two minutes, at around 1:40 PM, the aircraft reportedly lost altitude and crashed near Meghaninagar, approximately 15 kilometers from the airport. Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion followed by a massive plume of black smoke rising from the crash site.

Rescue operations were launched immediately, with emergency response teams including fire brigades, police, and disaster response units rushing to the scene. The fire department deployed at least seven fire engines, while NDRF and BSF teams were also mobilized for support.

Vijay Rupani Among Passengers on Board

As per the official passenger list of AI 171, Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, was listed as the 12th passenger, seated at 2D in the business class section. This revelation has added a political dimension to the already devastating aviation disaster.

Although there has been no official confirmation about his condition, sources close to Rupani’s office have stated that efforts are being made to ascertain his safety. Government authorities, senior BJP leaders, and security personnel are actively monitoring the situation.

Official Statement Awaited from Authorities

The Civil Aviation Ministry has yet to issue a formal statement on the status of the passengers, including high-profile individuals like Vijay Rupani. Meanwhile, local authorities are working with national aviation safety experts to investigate the cause of the crash.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu are en route to Ahmedabad to assess the situation and coordinate with local administration and Air India officials.

Air India Flight AI 171: Key Details

• Flight Number: AI 171

• Aircraft Model: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

• Total People Onboard: 242 (230 passengers, 12 crew)

• Departure Airport: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad

• Destination: Heathrow Airport, London

• Crash Location: Near Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad

• Crash Time: Approx. 1:40 PM IST, June 12, 2025

The aircraft is reported to be 11 years old and had been used on long-haul international routes, primarily between India and Europe.

Political Circles Express Concern Over Vijay Rupani’s Safety

The news of Vijay Rupani’s presence on the crashed aircraft sent ripples across political and administrative corridors. Several politicians from Gujarat and Delhi took to social media expressing concern and praying for the safety of all passengers.

Senior BJP leaders including C.R. Patil, Bhupendra Patel, and Nitin Gadkari have reportedly reached out to the Civil Aviation Ministry for immediate updates.

While the condition of most passengers remains unclear, Rupani’s name in the confirmed list has heightened urgency in rescue and identification efforts.

Passengers Included Indians and Foreign Nationals

According to Air India, among the 230 passengers onboard:

• 169 were Indian nationals

• 53 were British citizens

• 7 were from Portugal

• 1 Canadian national was also onboard

This has prompted several international diplomatic missions to coordinate with Indian authorities for assistance and updates on their respective citizens.

Ongoing Rescue Operation and Investigation

Emergency response teams are currently engaged in intensive search and rescue efforts. Several survivors have reportedly been rushed to nearby hospitals, though the official casualty count is awaited.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in collaboration with local authorities and Boeing representatives, has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The black box and flight data recorder are expected to provide critical insights into the cause of the crash.

Public Reaction and Media Coverage

News of the crash spread rapidly across social media and news platforms. Hashtags such as #AI171Crash, #VijayRupani, and #AhmedabadPlaneCrash began trending within hours. Emotional reactions poured in from citizens, celebrities, and international observers expressing solidarity with the affected families.

Multiple videos of the crash site surfaced on social media, showing black smoke billowing into the sky, charred debris, and fire brigades attempting to control the flames. These visuals have further intensified public concern over aviation safety in India.

History of Vijay Rupani: A Profile

Vijay Rupani, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021. Known for his administrative acumen and clean image, Rupani remains an influential political figure in the state.

At the time of the incident, he was reportedly traveling to London for a private engagement. As of now, his team has requested privacy and urged the media to refrain from speculation until official confirmation is received.

The Ahmedabad plane crash involving Air India flight AI 171 is a grim reminder of the unpredictability of aviation tragedies. With high-profile individuals like Vijay Rupani onboard, the stakes are even higher, both emotionally and politically.

As rescue operations continue and the investigation unfolds, the entire nation awaits updates on the survivors, the cause of the crash, and the future of flight safety in India.

Stay connected with KKNLive.com for verified updates, exclusive interviews, and real-time reporting from Ahmedabad as the story develops.