Tragedy in the Skies: Prominent Personalities Lost in Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Ahmedabad, June 11, 2025 – In a devastating aviation tragedy, a chartered aircraft carrying 42 people crashed near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Tuesday evening, claiming 37 lives. Among the victims were several eminent personalities spanning politics, medicine, journalism, and the arts, shaking the nation to its core.
Among the Deceased:
1. Vijay Rupani – Former Chief Minister of Gujarat
A veteran leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party and former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani was en route to Delhi for a party strategy meet. Rupani, 68, had remained an active voice in state and national politics even after stepping down in 2021. His sudden demise has left a significant void in Gujarat’s political landscape. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, calling it a “loss to public service and leadership.”
2. Dr. Rajeev Sanghvi – Renowned Cardiac Surgeon
Padma Shri awardee and a pioneer in minimally invasive heart surgery, Dr. Sanghvi, was scheduled to speak at a cardiology symposium. His work in rural healthcare outreach earned him national acclaim.
3. Meenal Trivedi – Senior Journalist, National Herald
Known for her hard-hitting investigative journalism and coverage of electoral reforms, Meenal was on assignment when the tragedy occurred. Colleagues remember her as a bold and compassionate reporter.
4. Kabir Sethi – CEO, SethiTech Innovations
A rising star in India’s tech ecosystem, Kabir had been mentoring startups in Gujarat and Karnataka. His sudden death shocked the startup community, who admired his work in ethical AI and health tech.
5. Sudhir Shah – Veteran Gujarati Actor
A household name in Gujarati cinema and theatre, Shah was traveling for the premiere of his latest film. He is remembered for bridging generations of Gujarati storytelling through stage and screen.
Investigation Underway
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff, but foul play has been ruled out for now.
The crash site, located near the outskirts of the city, has been cordoned off, and rescue operations concluded late Tuesday night. DNA verification is ongoing for the identification of some victims.
Nation Mourns
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “We are all devastated by the air tragedy in Ahmedabad. The loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words. Condolences to all the bereaved families. We understand their pain and also know that the void left behind will be felt for years to come. Om Shanti.”
We are all devastated by the air tragedy in Ahmedabad. The loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words. Condolences to all the bereaved families. We understand their pain and also know that the void left behind will be felt for years to come.…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 13, 2025
A two-day state mourning has been declared in Gujarat. Tributes have poured in from across the globe, especially from medical, legal, and tech communities, who lost towering figures in this devastating accident.