Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani among the passengers killed

New Delhi (India) June 13: The Air India plane that crashed Thursday afternoon shortly after departure from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad carried former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani.

A simple journey that would have taken Rupani to his family on Thursday soon turned into a nightmare as he boarded Air India AI171, which was headed for London. Shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, the plane crashed, killing 241 persons on board and leaving only one miracle survivor. Among those killed was the former chief minister Vijay Rupani, whose sad irony with 1206 appeared almost fateful. But the exact number that had previously brought him success and wealth symbolised his premature death on June 12.

According to reports, he boarded the flight from Zone 1 with seat number 2D at 12:10 p.m. 

From Rupani's entry into politics to his time as chief minister, 1206 had been a part of some of the most important events in his career for decades. It had been his personal car number, his election form number, and even the number he used to sign private paperwork. Rupani had frequently spoken of it with admiration, calling it his "lucky charm" and the secret to his success. It also turned out to be a sign that would continue to guide him in the direction of a bright future. But now, the number that previously represented fortune will always represent an unimaginable loss.

CR Patil, Gujarat BJP state president said, “Our leader, former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, was also on that flight. Vijay Rupani died in this tragedy. May God grant peace to his soul. This is a great loss for the BJP family as well" regarding Rupani’s death.

Vijay Rupani served as Gujarat's 16th chief minister from August 2016 to September 2021. He was known for his tough administrative style and calm manner.

Shortly after takeoff, the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, flight AI171 to London Gatwick, crashed in the Meghani area. It resulted in a big black smoke cloud and intense rescue efforts. Rescue efforts were made more difficult because the heavily fuelled flight caught fire.

According to Air India, the passengers included 169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.

It was revealed that the pilot had sent a "Mayday" call immediately after departure, but Air Traffic Control had received no response despite numerous attempts to contact the plane.

Aadrika Tayal