New Delhi: Vice President Krishan Kant died on July 27 of a massive heart attack on July 27 morning, 24 days before he was to lay down his office.

75-year old Kant suffered heart attack at his residence and was immediately rushed to All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), where the end came within an hour of his admission.

A team of top Doctors failed to revive him and he was declared dead at 0845 hours, AIIMS Medical Superintendent R K Sarma said.

Kant, who is the first Vice-President to die in office, is survived by his wife Suman, two sons and a daughter.

An emergency Cabinet meeting is scheduled later in the day to condole Kant's death.

President A P J Abdul Kalam, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, several other Union ministers, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Laloo Prasad Yadav were among the first to reach the hospital after hearing the news.

The body, which is being embalmed, will be taken to his official residence at Maulala Azad road for people to pay their last respects.

Kant, who became Vice President in 1997 during the United Front rule, was to demit office on August 20.

A team of heart specialists tried to resuscitate Kant and also put him on a pacemaker, Sarma said, adding despite best efforts he could not be revived.

The body has been taken for embalming and the process would take about three hours, he said.

PTI