Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, BJP leaders pay tribute to former CM Vijay Rupani on AI-171 crash anniversary
Gandhinagar, June 12
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and several BJP leaders on Friday paid tribute to former Gujarat Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Vijay Rupani, who lost his life in the Air India AI-171 crash in 2025.
Earlier, speaking to ANI, Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said the tragedy continued to remain etched in public memory and paid tribute to those who lost their lives.
"A deeply tragic incident occurreid here a year ago, one that none of us has been able to forget. I offer my heartfelt tribute to the souls of the departed," Pansheriya said.
He said Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel had announced plans to establish two temples at the site in memory of the tragedy.
"CM Bhupendra Patel had announced plans to build two 'temples' here: a 'Vidya Mandir' (Temple of Knowledge) and an 'Aarogya Mandir' (Temple of Health)... The project is divided into two phases: the first involves constructing a hostel for medical super-speciality students, while the second phase will see the establishment of a spine hospital and a laboratory," the minister said.
Meanwhile, Boeing also expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the AI-171 crash and reiterated support for the ongoing investigation.
"Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives on Flight 171, with Air India, and with everyone affected by this tragedy. We continue to support the investigation led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India," Boeing said in a statement.
The tribute commemorates the devastating aviation tragedy that occurred exactly a year ago on June 12, 2025.
The ill-fated Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, met with a catastrophic accident a mere 32 seconds into its flight. The aircraft plunged into the surrounding area almost immediately following its departure from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
The catastrophic incident claimed a total of 260 lives in one of the region's most severe aviation disasters.
The fatalities included 229 passengers and 12 crew members on board, alongside 19 individuals who tragically lost their lives on the ground when the aircraft went down.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Heartbreaking to remember the 260 souls lost. Respect to CM Patel for the planned temples, but action speaks louder—we need safer planes and stricter aviation checks. Boeing's statement feels a little too sanitized for such a huge tragedy. 🙏
The pain of losing so many in just 32 seconds is unimaginable. While the tribute is important, I wish the government would also focus on comprehensive mental health support for the families. Those 19 people on the ground are often forgotten in the news. RIP to all.
Having a hostel for super-speciality students is a practical step. But one year later, we still don't have a final report from AAIB? Families deserve answers. Let's not just build temples; let's ensure accountability for Boeing and the airline. The chants of 'Jai Shri Ram' should be for justice too.
A year feels like yesterday for those families. Heart goes out to all. I appreciate the temple idea, but I wish there was more visible support from the central government as well. RIP to Vijay Rupani Ji and all souls lost. Truly a black day for Gujarat. 💔
The scale of this tragedy is overwhelming—260 lives. Boeing's 'thoughts and prayers' ring hollow without concrete changes to the Dreamliner's safety. On the tribute side, it's good they are remembering everyone, including the 19 on the ground. We need both remembrance and reform. 🕊️