An Air India flight headed for London Gatwick tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad in western India, resulting in the loss of nearly all lives on board. The airline confirmed that out of the 242 passengers and crew, only one person survived.
Among those on the flight were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. The crash also claimed the lives of at least eight local residents in Ahmedabad, including four medical students who lived near the area where the plane went down.
The sole survivor, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, was hospitalized for injuries. He was sitting next to his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, who did not survive the incident. Vishwashkumar managed to call his family to let them know he was safe but had no information about his brother’s fate.
The victims included Ashok and Shobhana Patel, a British couple from Kent, who were returning home to see their children and grandchildren. Their son, Miten, expressed how proud he was to have them as parents and how much they would be missed.
Ketan Shah, a 43-year-old father of two from Dorset, was also on the flight. He had been visiting India to see his sick father. His friend described him as a brother and shared that Ketan’s last call was to his wife, informing her he was on the flight.
The Nanabawa family, consisting of Akeel, his wife Hannaa, and their four-year-old daughter Sara, were among the British victims. They were on a surprise trip to India, and their family expressed their heartbreak at the loss.
Adam and Hasina Taju, along with their son-in-law Altafhusen Patel, were returning to London after visiting family in India. Their granddaughter spoke of her disbelief at the news.
Another couple, Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, who ran a wellness center in London, shared a light-hearted Instagram story just before boarding the flight, showcasing their excitement for the trip.
The Syed family, Javed and Mariam, were traveling with their two young children, Zayn and Amani, after a holiday in India. They were known in their community, with Mrs. Syed working at Harrods and Mr. Syed at a local hotel.
Vijay Rupani, the former chief minister of Gujarat, was also confirmed dead in the crash. He served in this role from 2016 to 2021 and was a prominent figure in Indian politics.
Among the cabin crew was Singson, who was the main provider for her family. Her cousin shared the struggle of trying to find information about her after the crash.
Raxa Modha and her two-year-old grandson, Rudra, were also on board. They were believed to be returning for a memorial service for Raxa’s late husband.
The Joshi family, including Dr. Prateek Joshi, his wife Komi Vyas, and their three young children, were traveling back to the UK after a visit to India. Dr. Joshi was a consultant radiologist known for his positive spirit and dedication to his work.
The Girish family, Hemaxi and Girish Lagli, along with their young children, were also among the victims. They were returning home after a trip.
Sisters Dhir and Heer Baxi, who visited India to surprise their grandmother for her birthday, were killed in the crash as well. Their cousin described them as having a bright future ahead.
This tragic event has left many families and communities mourning the loss of their loved ones. As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families during this incredibly difficult time.