• Source:JND
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Famous Indian People Died In Plane Crashes: On June 12, 2025, a devastating plane crash shook Ahmedabad and the entire nation when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London tragically went down shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Among the 242 passengers and crew, the country lost its former Gujarat Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani, a senior leader known for his calm and pragmatic leadership. This heart‑wrenching incident occurred at around 1:39 PM, when the aircraft issued a Mayday call and began a rapid descent before crashing near a medical college hostel, resulting in over 240 fatalities, including students and people on the ground. 

Emergency services were immediately activated, but despite their swift response, only one passenger survived. The loss of Vijay Rupani adds to a tragic list of prominent Indian personalities who have died in air disasters. As India mourns, investigations have begun to understand the cause of this calamity, while political and community leaders express deep grief over the loss. The crash reopens conversations about aviation safety and underscores the fragility of life at 30,000 feet.

Famous Indian Personalities Who Died In Pa lane Crash

1. Subhas Chandra Bose

One of the brave leaders of India's liberation movement was Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. According to reports, his Japanese aircraft crashed during takeoff in Taihoku (modern-day Taipei) on August 18, 1945. Bose was fatally injured in the collision, and his passing has since been the subject of controversy and mystery.

2. Homi J. Bhabha

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Famous Indians who died in a plane crash (Image: Instagram)

On January 24, 1966, Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha, the pioneer of India's nuclear program, perished in a tragic accident. While travelling from Mumbai to Geneva, his aircraft, Air India Flight 101, crashed into Mont Blanc in the Alps. This tragic accident claimed the lives of all 117 people on board, including Bhabha.

3. Mohan Kumaramangalam

Mohan Kumaramangalam, a former Union Steel Minister and prominent Congress leader, was killed on May 30, 1973, when the Indian Airlines plane he was travelling on crashed close to New Delhi. His untimely passing raised awareness of aviation safety in India.

4. Sanjay Gandhi

Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's son, Sanjay Gandhi, lost his life in a private aircraft crash at Safdarjung Airport in Delhi on June 23, 1980, while he was practising stunt flying. His passing shocked the country and brought an abrupt end to the career of a rising political star.

5. Madhavrao Scindia

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Famous Indians who died in a plane crash (Image: Instagram)

Madhavrao Scindia, a former royal who became a politician, lost his life in a helicopter crash in rainy terrain close to Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, on September 30, 2001. He was only 46 years old and was on his way to campaign in a by-election when the accident occurred due to bad weather.

6. Soundarya

Famous Indian personalities who died in plane crashes.

Famous Indians who died in a plane crash (Image: Instagram)

On April 17, 2004, beloved South Indian actress Soundarya perished in a private jet accident. Shortly after taking off from the Jakkur airstrip in Bengaluru, the Cessna she was riding in crashed. Tragically, she and everyone on board perished while she was seven months pregnant.

Famous Indian Leaders And Officers Who Died In a Helicopter Crash

7. Dorjee Khandu

Dorjee Khandu, the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, perished in a helicopter crash on May 4, 2011, while travelling from Tawang to Itanagar. Khandu and the other four passengers perished in the Pawan Hans helicopter crash in mountainous terrain close to Sela Pass.

8.O. P. Jindal & Surender Singh

Agriculture Minister Surender Singh and industrialist and Haryana Minister O. P. Jindal died in a helicopter crash on March 31, 2005, close to Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. They were killed instantly when their Eurocopter crashed on the way back from a flight from Chandigarh.

9. General Bipin Rawat

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Famous Indians who died in a plane crash (Image: Instagram)

On December 8, 2021, General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Defence Staff, his spouse, and twelve other people perished in an Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter crash close to Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. Due to poor weather and a loss of spatial orientation, they crashed while travelling to a defence college.

10. YS Rajasekhara Reddy

The tragic helicopter crash in the Nallamala Hills on September 2, 2009, claimed the life of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. On the way back from a campaign tour, his Bell 430 helicopter crashed in a torrential downpour. Other people on board also died in the crash.

11. G.M.C. Balayogi

G.M.C. Balayogi, the former Speaker of the Lok Sabha, perished in a helicopter crash in Kaikalur, Andhra Pradesh, on September 3, 2002. He and two pilots were killed when the Dhruv helicopter carrying him lost control and crashed.

12. Lt Gen Daulet Singh, Lt Gen Bikram Singh & AVM E.W. Pinto

These three senior officers, Brigadier Oberoi and the pilot, perished in a helicopter crash near Poonch, Jammu & Kashmir, on November 22, 1963, as a result of a collision with telegraph cables. The nation was shocked by the accident, and the highest levels of tribute were given.

These tragedies highlight the profound losses India has faced over the decades, as prominent leaders and visionaries were taken too soon in air accidents.