Update Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Cargo Motors Group Founder and Family Among Passengers

Recent developments confirm that Pramukh Nanda, founder of Cargo Motors Group, along with his wife, Neha Pramukh Nanda, and son Prayas Pramukh Nanda, were among the passengers on Air India Flight AI171. The Nanda family, prominent figures in Gujarat’s business community and leaders of a major automotive and transport company in western India, were listed on the manifest for the London-bound flight.

Their presence, along with other high-profile individuals such as former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Subhash Amin, director of Lubi Motors, has deeply affected the business and political communities across the state. Authorities are continuing rescue and identification efforts, with formal confirmation of all identities expected after official protocols are completed. The inclusion of such notable business leaders has further intensified the impact and public attention surrounding this tragic event.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: What Happened on June 12, 2025?

The Ahmedabad plane crash on June 12, 2025, has become one of India’s most tragic aviation disasters. Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed just minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad. The London-bound flight was carrying 242 people, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, when it plunged into the Meghani Nagar area, igniting a massive fire and triggering a nationwide emergency response.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Timeline and Circumstances

• Takeoff: Air India Flight AI171 departed at 1:38 PM IST from Ahmedabad, bound for London Gatwick.
• Emergency: Within minutes, the aircraft issued a MAYDAY call, signalling a critical emergency to Air Traffic Control.
• Crash Site: The plane reached only 625 feet before losing altitude and crashing at 1:40 PM into a hostel building in Meghani Nagar, just outside the airport perimeter.
• Impact: The rear of the plane reportedly struck a tree during takeoff, contributing to the loss of control. The impact destroyed the third, fourth, and fifth floors of the hostel, causing a massive fire and endangering more than 50 residents.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Passengers, Crew, and Onboard Details

• Total Onboard: 242 (230 passengers, 2 pilots, 10 cabin crew).
• Nationalities: 169 Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian.
• Flight Crew: Captain Sumeet Sabharwal (8,200 hours) and First Officer Clive Kundar (1,100 hours).
• Notable Passenger: Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was confirmed to be onboard, travelling in business class.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Rescue Operations and Ground Impact

The Ahmedabad plane crash caused devastation not only for those onboard but also for residents of the hostel building. Eyewitnesses described people jumping from the fourth floor to escape the flames, with at least nine deaths suspected among residents, although the official toll is still awaited. Emergency services, including fire brigades, ambulances, police, and NDRF teams, responded within minutes, sealing off roads and rushing the injured to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.

Amid the chaos, reports of theft emerged, with valuables stolen from the hostel, adding to the tragedy. The building remains at risk of collapse due to the intense fire and structural damage.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: The Critical Role of the Black Box

What Is the Black Box?

The black box is the most crucial evidence in aviation accident investigations. Despite the name, it is a bright orange, crash-resistant device designed to survive extreme impact and fire.

Every commercial aircraft carries two black boxes:

• Flight Data Recorder (FDR): Logs hundreds of parameters such as altitude, speed, engine thrust, and flight path for up to 25 hours.
• Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR): Captures cockpit conversations, radio transmissions, alarms, and ambient sounds for the last two hours.

Why Is the Black Box Important in the Ahmedabad Plane Crash?

• Objective Evidence: The black box provides unbiased, factual data about the flight’s final moments, crucial for reconstructing the sequence of events.
• Crash Reconstruction: Investigators use FDR and CVR data to determine if the crash was caused by mechanical failure, pilot error, or other factors.
• Safety Improvements: Black box analysis often leads to global aviation safety reforms and new protocols.

Recovery and Investigation

After the Ahmedabad plane crash, the black box was quickly recovered and sent for forensic analysis. Experts from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and Boeing are analysing the data to determine the cause. This process involves extracting and decoding memory modules, synchronising voice and flight data, and correlating with radar and ATC records.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Government and Airline Response

• National Leadership: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu are personally overseeing rescue and investigation efforts, ensuring full support for affected families.
• State Action: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has directed authorities to prioritise rescue, medical care, and green corridors for swift hospital transfers.
• Air India: The airline has activated a passenger helpline (1800 5691 444) and is providing support to families while cooperating fully with investigators.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: The Human Story

The Presence of Vijay Rupani

The crash drew even more attention due to the presence of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. He was confirmed as the 12th passenger in business class. His status remains unconfirmed, but his inclusion on the manifest has heightened public concern, with tense scenes outside his Rajkot residence as neighbours and supporters await news.

Acts of Bravery and Tragedy

Eyewitnesses recounted stories of people risking their lives to save others—one man threw a child from the fourth floor to save them, while others jumped to escape the flames. Emergency personnel and residents worked together to rescue survivors amid the chaos.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: What Happens Next?

• Ongoing Rescue: NDRF and emergency teams continue rescue and recovery operations. The injured are being treated at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.
• Investigation: The black box analysis will be pivotal in determining the cause. The DGCA, AAIB, and Boeing are all involved, and findings will be released as soon as possible.
• Support for Families: Air India and government agencies are providing information and assistance to the families of those affected.

Conclusion: The Legacy of the Ahmedabad Plane Crash

The Ahmedabad plane crash is a national tragedy, with significant loss of life both in the aircraft and on the ground. The presence of a high-profile passenger like Vijay Rupani has drawn even more attention. As the black box is analysed, the nation awaits answers that can bring closure to families and help prevent future disasters. The story of this crash is not just about loss, but also about resilience, community, and the relentless pursuit of truth in the face of tragedy.

Sources:-
Economic Times, News18, The Indian Express, Times of India, India Today

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For official updates and passenger information, contact Air India’s helpline: 1800 5691 444.