Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was on board the Air India flight that crashed near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday. The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, flying to London, crashed just five minutes after take-off.

According to the passenger list accessed by India Today Digital, "Vijay Ramniklal Rupani" was listed as the 12th passenger. He was traveling in Z class, which is part of the business class category.

There was tension outside Vijay Rupani’s residence in Rajkot as news of the crash spread. Many neighbours and well-wishers gathered outside the house, looking worried and anxious. People are waiting for official confirmation about his condition.

"Yes, I've received word that the plane has crashed and that Vijay Rupani was on board. But nothing is confirmed yet. We are extremely worried. We live right next door. We've been neighbours since 1988. We're like family. My husband was their family doctor and very close to them. "I just can't believe this has happened," said a woman named Kiran to news agency ANI, with tears in her eyes.

The flight, identified as Air India 171, had 242 people on board — 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The passenger list showed there were 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian.

Rupani served as Gujarat’s Chief Minister from August 2016 to September 2021. He stepped down before the 2022 state elections.

Emergency teams quickly reached the crash site. Seven fire engines were sent. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said authorities in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar have been told to "arrange a green corridor for swiftly transporting the injured."

He also said all hospitals should be ready with necessary facilities.

Videos from areas near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport showed dark smoke rising into the air.

Online flight trackers confirmed that the plane took off from Ahmedabad for London’s Gatwick Airport.

You might also be interested in: One house, two countries: Life on the Belgium-Netherlands border.