The tragic crash of Air India Flight AI 171—a Boeing 787 Dreamliner—continues to shake the nation, with the death of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani confirmed through DNA identification on Sunday. Here's a comprehensive update on the crash, identification efforts, and the national response:
🇮🇳 Vijay Rupani Among Victims
-
Vijay Rupani, former Gujarat CM and senior BJP leader, was among the 241 passengers killed in the crash.
-
His DNA match was confirmed at 11:10 am on Sunday.
-
Rupani was reportedly flying to London to visit his daughter.
-
His cremation will be held in Rajkot, and arrangements are currently underway, according to Gujarat Health Minister Rishikesh Patel.
⚠️ Crash Summary
-
Flight AI 171 took off from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick Airport on Thursday afternoon.
-
Shortly after takeoff, it crashed into the BJ Medical College’s resident doctors' hostel, causing mass destruction and fire.
-
The death toll stands at 270, including:
-
241 on board: 230 passengers, 10 crew, 1 pilot
-
29 on the ground
-
-
Only one survivor: An Indian-origin British citizen seated in seat 11A, who is hospitalised.
🧬 DNA Identification Drive
-
Bodies were badly charred, making visual identification impossible in most cases.
-
Authorities are using DNA analysis to identify victims.
-
As of now:
-
32 DNA matches confirmed
-
14 bodies handed over to families
-
Victims identified are from various districts in Gujarat and Rajasthan:
-
Udaipur, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Kheda, Mehsana, Arvalli, and Botad.
-
-
-
230 special teams have been formed to assist victims' families across India.
🛫 First Fatal Boeing 787 Dreamliner Crash
-
This is the first-ever fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its commercial debut in 2011.
-
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has:
-
Recovered the black box within 28 hours from the crash site.
-
Confirmed it was found near the tail of the wreckage.
-
Begun a detailed probe into technical and procedural aspects.
-
🔧 Regulatory Action & Safety Review
-
The Civil Aviation Ministry and DGCA have announced:
-
Enhanced safety checks on the entire Boeing 787-8/9 fleet operated by Air India.
-
Inspections include fuel systems, engine performance, and hydraulic systems.
-
Reports from these checks are to be submitted for urgent review.
-
🏛️ National Mourning & Political Response
-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah personally visited:
-
The crash site.
-
Injured survivors in hospital.
-
-
PM Modi reportedly spent over an hour at the crash zone, directing central assistance.
-
Several leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, and international dignitaries, expressed condolences over Rupani’s death and the broader tragedy.
⚖️ Implications and Questions Raised
-
The incident has led to:
-
Widespread public outrage about aviation safety standards.
-
Fresh scrutiny over Air India’s maintenance practices and fleet reliability.
-
Renewed pressure on Boeing, already under the spotlight globally after previous 737 MAX controversies.
-
