The country is still mourning the crash of Air India flight AI171, which took place near Ahmedabad, killing over 260 people, making it one of the deadliest air disasters in India’s history. The former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani, was also on the flight, which has escalated the tragedy even further. This article discusses the incident along with Rupani’s legacy and its impacts on Gujarat and the rest of the country.
The incident: A national tragedy
On June 12, 2025, Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating flight AI171 to London, plunged into the resident quarters of BJ Medical College right after takeoff from SVP International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft was to ascend to a cruise altitude of 35,000 feet but lost altitude sharply minutes into its climb, which caused the deadly fire in the residential quarters. Out of 242 occupants aboard, only one had survived, which made this the worst air disaster in India in recent years.
Rupani was flying from Ahmedabad to London, where he was expected to meet his family, and was reported by the media to be one of the passengers. Rupani’s seat number, 2D, in the flight manifest confirms his death, which was verified by BJP state president C.R. Patil. Patil expressed that Rupani’s death was a substantial loss for both the party and the state. Moreover, for Rupani personally, the date of his death—12/06—was fatally ironic, as he considered it a lucky number throughout life.
Impact on Gujarat’s Political Landscape
Rupani’s death has sparked a wave of sorrow that transcends political lines, and many continue to mourn his loss. Tribute has poured in from senior leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who mentioned he served as a grassroots leader working towards the betterment of Gujarat. His time as Chief Minister also drove substantial economic and infrastructural growth, and the state’s political culture was shaped during his tenure.
The Human Toll: Losses Beyond Politics
The crash resulted in not only high-profile political figures perishing but also an extensive list of others, including students, parents, and medical professionals. The deceased included at least five MBBS students, one PG resident, and the wife of a superspecialist doctor from BJ Medical College. Along with the medical professionals that were injured, the disaster has had an immense impact on families throughout the state of Gujarat, highlighting the extensive human suffering.
Finding Resolution: An Investigation and Answer Search
An initial investigation from a high-level committee has already been formed with the tentative few theories that fuel the crash’s possible engine failure or a bird strike. A black box is still being vigorously searched for. The India aviation disaster is reigniting issues around emergency preparedness and airline safety in India.
Vijay Rupani’s loss and all the other people who perished on board the Ahmedabad Air India is a deeply saddening moment for the nation and especially Gujarat. Until the investigators reach a conclusion, the most focus is made on the supporting efforts for the bereaved and learning strategies to ensure that such unfortunate events do not occur again.
