Ahmedabad: Gujarat witnessed a devastating tragedy on Thursday as an Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff near the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad, claiming 242 lives. Among the deceased is former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, a prominent BJP leader. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue and more bodies are recovered and transported to city hospitals.
Union Minister C.R. Patil confirmed Rupani’s death, calling it a significant loss for the Bharatiya Janata Party and the state of Gujarat. “Vijay Rupani was en route to London to visit his family when the crash occurred. He is among the 241 confirmed dead. This is a heartbreaking moment for all of us. May his soul rest in peace,” Patil said in a statement to the press.
Rupani served as the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat, taking office in August 2016 following Anandiben Patel’s resignation. He led the state until 2021, when Bhupendra Patel succeeded him.
This marks the second time a former Gujarat Chief Minister has lost their life in a plane crash, further deepening the sense of mourning in the state. The government is expected to announce further tributes and arrangements to honor Rupani’s legacy in the coming days.
