Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is in the Air India flight that crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12.
The flight, bound for London, was carrying 242 passengers, including 169 Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. While official confirmation is awaited, a leaked passenger list reportedly includes Rupani’s name.
The Boeing 787 aircraft crashed around 1:30 PM IST, minutes after taking off from Runway 23 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
According to the DGCA, the pilot issued a ‘MAYDAY’ call but lost communication with Air Traffic Control immediately afterward. The plane crashed just outside the airport perimeter.
As a result, all flight operations at Ahmedabad airport have been suspended.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, stating the tragedy is “heartbreaking beyond words” and assured support from ministers and authorities to aid those affected.
