Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Identified Through DNA

Tragic Incident of Air India Flight AI171

On Sunday morning at 11:10 am, DNA testing confirmed the identity of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, three days after the devastating crash of Air India flight AI171. This tragic event took place on June 12 when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI171, crashed shortly after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft was carrying 242 individuals, with only one survivor among the 241 fatalities.

The aircraft collided with a building on the BJ Medical College campus in Meghnaninagar, Ahmedabad, just a kilometer from the runway. The impact resulted in a significant explosion, causing extensive damage to the hostel and leading to the deaths of several individuals, including MBBS students.

As of now, 32 bodies have been identified, and 14 have been returned to their families.

Vijay Rupani had initially planned to fly to London on May 19 but canceled that trip. He rescheduled for June 5, which he also canceled, before finally booking a seat on the ill-fated June 12 flight, where he was seated in business class, 2D.

Reports indicate he was en route to London to visit his wife and daughter. CCTV footage from the airport shows the plane took off at 1:38 pm but lost control within 32 seconds, leading to the crash on the medical college grounds.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), along with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and a specialized team from Boeing, are currently investigating the incident using data from the black box.