An Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people, crashed moments after take‑off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, on 12 June 2025. According to preliminary reports, more than 150 passengers died in the massive fire and debris field in the Meghani Nagar area. Among the deceased, former CM Vijay Rupani dies in the crash, according to early but unconfirmed reports. Emergency services are still working to recover survivors and victims.
Among those on board was 68-year-old former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, and initial reports indicated that Former CM Vijay Rupani dies, though his official status remains unconfirmed. A post by Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani on X stated “Rupani passed away”, but it was later deleted, fueling uncertainty.
Air India confirmed on X:
“Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take‑off… 242 passengers and crew members on board”
Rescue operation, investigation, response
- Passengers & crew: 230 passengers, including 169 Indian, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian national; 12 crew members.
- Rescue underway: At least 30 bodies recovered so far; many trapped and injured. NDRF, fire, ambulance, and police teams are on-site.
- Government response:
- Home Minister Amit Shah is coordinating with the Gujarat CM and Ahmedabad officials.
- Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said DGCA and AAIB are probing the crash; airport operations have been suspended.
- Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran extended condolences and promised support to families.
- Investigation: DGCA, AAIB, and Air India technical teams are investigating. The aircraft, tail number VT‑ANB, is said to be the first Boeing 787 loss globally since 2011.
For ongoing official updates, check the Air India newsroom and DGCA Accident Reports.
Summary
- What happened: Air India Flight AI 171 crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on 12 June 2025.
- Onboard: 242 people; nationalities include Indian, British, Portuguese, and Canadian.
- High‑profile: Former CM Vijay Rupani dies unconfirmed; Parimal Nathwani’s deleted X post confused.
- Casualties: Over 150 feared dead; at least 30 bodies recovered.
- Action: Rescue operations are in full swing. DGCA, AAIB, and Air India are investigating.
More confirmed details are awaited from official sources and the Rupani family. Stay tuned for verified updates.
