Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani was on the Air India flight that crashed near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, flight chart and images of boarding pass and the ticket confirmed.
The London-bound flight AI 171 was believed to be carrying 242 passengers when it crashed in the Meghaninagar area of Ahmedabad reportedly moments after the take-off.
“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest,” a statement from Air India said.
Those on board include two pilots and 10 cabin crew. Casualties are feared though there is no confirmation on the same yet.
A picture reportedly of Rupani’s boarding pass and ticket have been doing the rounds on social media. THE WEEK checked the Air India PNR status, and found it in the name of the former CM.
THE WEEK also accessed the flight chart, which confirmed Rupani as one of the passengers on the flight AI171.
“We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action,” Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said, in an X post, reacting to the crash.
Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site, he added.
Several of the injured were taken to the city civil hospital.
Thick black smoke could be seen billowing as visuals of the wreckage have started circulating on social media.
Emergency responders reached the site promptly and have launched intensive rescue, evacuation, and firefighting operations.
"We are acquiring details about the casualties," said Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kanan Desai. Fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the blaze, said fire officer Jayesh Khadia.
