Air India Plane Crash: Man Arrives with Shrouds for the Dead — A City in Mourning | Vijay Rupani | Ahmedabad

The city of Ahmedabad is reeling from the aftermath of the tragic Air India plane crash that claimed over 260 lives, including that of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. As rescue and recovery operations continue at the crash site, a poignant scene unfolded that captured the heartbreak and solidarity of the city: a local man arrived carrying bundles of white shrouds, ready to offer dignity and respect to the deceased.

The Crash and Its Immediate Aftermath

The devastating incident occurred on June 12, when an Air India Boeing 787, with 242 passengers and 18 crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft struggling to gain altitude, with smoke trailing from one of its engines before it plummeted into an open field just beyond the airport’s perimeter.

The crash resulted in a massive fire, making rescue operations extremely difficult. Emergency teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and medical personnel, rushed to the scene to search for survivors and recover the bodies of the victims. The scale of the tragedy quickly became apparent, as families gathered in anguish, waiting for news of their loved ones.

A Heartbreaking Act of Humanity

Amid the chaos and grief, one image has stood out: a local man quietly arriving at the crash site with bundles of white shrouds (kafan). In Indian culture, covering the dead with a shroud is a final act of respect and a part of the last rites performed before cremation or burial. The sight of the man distributing shrouds to rescue workers and volunteers was a heart-wrenching reminder of the human cost of the disaster.

Eyewitnesses described how the man, overwhelmed with emotion, handed out the shrouds without saying much, his face etched with sorrow. “He didn’t want any attention,” said a volunteer. “He just wanted to help the families give a dignified farewell to their loved ones.”

This act of compassion resonated deeply with people across Ahmedabad and the nation, symbolizing the unity and empathy that emerges in times of immense loss.

Vijay Rupani Among the Victims

The tragedy has been compounded by the loss of Vijay Rupani, a respected leader and former Chief Minister of Gujarat. His presence on the ill-fated flight has added a layer of national mourning, with political leaders and citizens alike expressing shock and grief. Vigils have been held across the city, and condolences have poured in from across the country.

The Ongoing Recovery

As rescue teams continue to work tirelessly at the crash site, efforts are being made to identify the bodies and return them to their families. The government has promised all possible support, including compensation and counseling services for the bereaved.

Authorities from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and technical experts from Boeing are conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest a possible engine failure, but a full inquiry is underway to determine the sequence of events.

A City United in Grief

The image of the man with the shrouds has become a symbol of Ahmedabad’s collective mourning and resilience. It is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of compassion in the face of tragedy. As families prepare to say their final goodbyes, the city stands together, offering strength and solace to those who have lost the most.

In the coming days, as the investigation continues and the city begins to heal, the memory of this quiet act of humanity will remain—a testament to the enduring spirit of Ahmedabad and the power of kindness in the darkest of times.