Vijay Rupani
On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck as Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport en route to London, killing 241 passengers and crew, and claiming former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani among the victims This article traces the final airport moments, the chilling Instagram video that captured Rupani’s last sighting, the crash’s harrowing aftermath, and ongoing investigations.
1. The Instagram Video: Final Moments at the Airport
A video shared by London-based yoga coach Jamie Meek and partner Fiongal Greenlaw‑Meek in their Instagram story, and captured by NDTV and other outlets, shows a composed Vijay Rupani decked in a navy‑blue Nehru jacket, talking on the phone as he walks through Ahmedabad airport’s departure lounge—just minutes before boarding Flight AI171
In the same clip, the British couple can be heard saying, “Goodbye India… 10‑hour flight back to England,” glimpsing optimism and calm despite the looming disaster .
2. Who Was Vijay Rupani?
Born August 2, 1956, in Rangoon (now Yangon), Rupani served as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021 and had a long political career in municipal, parliamentary, and state offices Known for a low‑profile yet steadfast approach, Rupani continued his political engagement post‑2012 as an MLA and BJP leader.
At the time of the crash, he was en route to London to visit his wife and daughter
3. Flight AI171: What We Know
- Flight: AI171, Ahmedabad → London Gatwick
- Aircraft: Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (VT‑ANB)
- Takeoff time: June 12, 1:38 PM IST
- People on board: 230 passengers, 12 crew = 242
- Casualties: 241 on board + 28 on ground = 269 fatalities; 1 survivor
The aircraft lost altitude rapidly—dropping from ~825 ft—before crashing into a hostel block at B.J. Medical College, triggering a massive fireball
4. The Sole Survivor: A Miraculous Escape
British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, age 40 and seated in exit row 11A, became the lone survivor. He escaped with injuries and is currently in hospital. Investigators continue to probe how he survived amidst overwhelming carnage.
5. The Crew on Board
- Captain Sumeet Sabharwal: 50, ~8,300 flight hours; reportedly about to retire.
- First Officer Clive Kundar: 26, ~1,100 flight hours .
- Cabin crew included young professionals like 22‑year‑old Nganthoi Sharma and 24‑year‑old Lamnunthem Singson, both newly recruited
6. Tragic Casualties
Among the victims were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian (Notable deaths include )
- Vijay Rupani, former Gujarat CM
- Dr. Komi Vyas, her family (husband, twins, and a daughter)
- British couple Jamie and Fiongal Meek
- Medical students and staff in the hospital block
On the ground, at least 28 lives were lost, including hostel residents and students.
7. The Crash Sequence & Initial Reactions
The DGCA confirmed takeoff from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST, shortly followed by a “Mayday” call and rapid descent . Eyewitnesses reported the plane flying unusually low, then returning in a fireball.
Rescue operations involved NDRF, IAF, BSF, and NSG teams.
8. Investigation Underway
Agencies involved include AAIB (India), UK’s AAIB, and the US NTSB, alongside Boeing cooperation. The black box has been recovered; preliminary theories include possible dual engine rollback due to fuel contamination or icing.
This marks the first fatal Boeing 787 crash .
9. Political & Public Response : Vijay Rupani
- PM Modi called it “heartbreaking,” directed relief & investigation teams to Ahmedabad.
- Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed Rupani’s presence and death.
- King Charles III, UK PM Keir Starmer, and global leaders extended condolences.
- Boeing’s shares fell as aviation standards came under scrutiny .
10. Human Stories of Tragedy
- Crew and passengers included aspiring young professionals and families.
- The Meek couple’s final Instagram stories, showing happiness and calm, now carry haunting resonance .
- Dr. Komi Vyas and her three children reflect the shocking human cost.
11. Airport Video: A Moment Frozen in Time
The Instagram clip is now a solemn testament: a respectable public figure having mundane phone conversation, totally unaware of the impending catastrophe. It humanizes a high-profile victim and amplifies the tragedy many -fold.
12. Where Are We Now?
- Rescue: Over; one survivor in hospital, others hospitalized for injuries.
- Identifications: Ongoing using DNA & personal records .
- Investigation: AAIB/NTSB collaboration, flight data, crew background, technical systems being analyzed.
- Support: Air India (now under Tata) and governments working on family compensation (~£86,000 each for British families).
13. Broader Implications & Aviation Safety
This crash – the first fatal incident involving the Boeing 787 – has triggered questions about aircraft systems, fuel protocols, regulatory oversights, and emergency processes. A thorough review of Boeing’s safety practices and DGCA’s oversight in India is anticipated.
14. Conclusion
The Instagram video capturing Vijay Rupani walking through the airport just before the tragic crash will haunt public memory. The incident underscores life’s fragility and serves as a sobering reminder for the aviation community to strengthen safety standards and crisis readiness.
