Air India Flight Tragedy: Remembering the Victims of Flight AI171

In a devastating incident on June 12th, Air India Flight AI171, en route to London Gatwick from Ahmedabad, India, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 passengers and crew, a manifest that included individuals from India, Britain, Portugal, and Canada. The crash resulted in catastrophic loss of life, claiming all but one person on board. In addition to the passengers and crew, many residents in the surrounding residential area also lost their lives, pushing the confirmed death toll to at least 270. Among the victims were a number of aspiring medical students. One British national, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, miraculously survived the ordeal and is receiving medical treatment for his injuries. This report aims to honor the memories of those who perished, shedding light on their lives and the profound impact of this tragedy.

A Community Mourns: Profiles of the Victims

Akash Patni

Akash Patni, a bright 15-year-old, was tragically killed near the family tea stall run by his father, a tuk-tuk driver. His mother, though injured, survived the immediate aftermath as she attempted to reach her son.

Hardik Avaiya and Vibhooti Patel

Hardik Avaiya and his fiancée, Vibhooti Patel, were en route home after celebrating their engagement in India. Their loss was deeply felt, with a memorial service held in Leicester to honor their lives.

Dhir and Heer Baxi

Sisters Dhir and Heer Baxi, in their early twenties, were returning to London after visiting their grandmother for her birthday. Heer was remembered as a product manager with a sharp mind for statistics and finance, while Dhir pursued her passion for fashion design at Parsons Paris.

Kalyani and Gaurav Brahmbhatt

A close friend described Kalyani and Gaurav Brahmbhatt as exceptionally hard-working, friendly, and fun-loving individuals. The couple was on board the flight, returning home, leaving a void in the lives of those who knew them.

Saineeta Chakravarti

Saineeta Chakravarti, a 34-year-old flight attendant, harbored a lifelong passion for aviation, inspired by her aunt who also worked as a flight attendant. Her dedication to her career was evident, and her loss is deeply mourned.

The Girish Family

Hemaxi Shantilal and Girish Lagli, from Wembley, were traveling with their young children, Aadiv and Taksvi Girish, returning to London. The family’s presence on the ill-fated flight underscores the widespread devastation of this incident.

Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek

Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, a British couple who managed a spiritual wellness center in London, shared a joyful moment on Instagram before boarding their flight. Their lighthearted video captured a spirit of happiness that was tragically cut short.

The Joshi Family

Derby has lost a cherished member of its medical community with the passing of Dr. Prateek Joshi, a consultant radiologist at the Royal Derby Hospital. He was traveling with his wife, Komi Vyas, and their three young children: Miraya, Nakul, and Pradyut. Dr. Joshi was known for his positivity, humor, and dedication to his patients and colleagues. The Derby Hindu Temple community remembers them as devotees who offered sincere service and dedication.

First Officer Clive Kundar

First Officer Clive Kundar, the co-pilot of Flight AI171, was a resident of Mumbai with nearly three decades of aviation experience. His tenure included approximately 1,100 hours of flight time.

Mohammed Adnan Master

Mohammed Adnan Master, a worshipper at the Cann Hall Deen & Education Trust in East London, was traveling with his wife and 11-month-old baby. His loss has sent ripples of grief through his community.

Raxa Modha and her grandson, Rudra Modha

Raxa Modha and her two-year-old grandson, Rudra, were on their way back to England for a memorial service for Ms. Modha’s late husband, Kishor, who had passed away from cancer in April. The Mayor of Wellingborough extended deep condolences to their families.

Panna Nagar

Panna Nagar, a respected former nursery school headteacher and Ofsted inspector, was an educator whose impact extended far beyond the classroom. Her grandchildren described her as a guiding light with an immense legacy, dedicated to bringing education to all. Her warmth, wisdom, and laughter filled her home, making her the heart of her family.

Renjitha Gopakumaran Nair

Renjitha Gopakumaran Nair, a nurse from Portsmouth’s Queen Alexandra Hospital, had recently resigned to return to her home in Kerala, India, to be with her two children and elderly mother. Her colleagues described her as a valued member of the team, and her premature death has come as a profound shock.

The Nanabawa Family

Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee, and their four-year-old daughter Sara Nanabawa, residents of Gloucester, were among the victims. Their family expressed their heartbreak and devastation, remembering them as widely loved and deeply respected individuals whose spirit impacted everyone they met.

Pramukh Nanda and family

Pramukh Nanda, a car dealer, was traveling to the UK to attend his elder son Pratham’s graduation ceremony. He was accompanied by his wife Neha and younger son Pravesh, just five days after celebrating his 48th birthday.

Shailesh and Nehal Parmar

Shailesh Parmar, 61, and Nehal Parmar, 52, a British couple visiting family in India, had previously experienced the profound grief of losing their 26-year-old son, Heet, in a plane crash three years earlier. Their journey back to the UK was tragically cut short.

Ashok and Shobhana Patel

Ashok Patel, a financial advisor, and Shobhana Patel, a retired microbiologist, were returning to their sons, Miten and Hemit, their daughter-in-law Shivani, and grandchildren Amyra and Arjun in Orpington, Kent. Miten shared that his parents were full of life and their memory will be cherished by the grandchildren.

Dirdh Patel

Dirdh Patel, 23, a promising cricketer who studied at the University of Huddersfield, was remembered by his tutor as an exceptional individual with warmth and enthusiasm.

Manju Mahesh Patel

Manju Mahesh Patel, 79, a woman of strength who deeply loved her family, was in Ahmedabad for charity work at a temple. She was traveling back to London to reunite with her grandchildren, having packed special treats for them.

Sahil Patel

Sahil Patel, from a village in Gujarat, was embarking on his first international flight to London for a dream work opportunity. His journey represented a chance for his family to improve their lives, secured through a UK government visa scheme.

Maithili Patil

Maithili Patil, 23, a member of the cabin crew, was the eldest of three siblings and the first flight attendant from her village. Her achievement in flying the world brought immense pride to her community.

Arjun Patoliya

Arjun Patoliya, 37, a furniture designer from North London, had traveled to India to fulfill his late wife Bharti’s final wish: to have her ashes scattered. He leaves behind two young daughters, aged four and eight.

Ajay Kumar Ramesh

Ajay Kumar Ramesh was a passenger on the flight, seated with his brother, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, the sole survivor. His family is anxiously seeking information about his whereabouts.

Vijay Rupani

Vijay Rupani, who served as the chief minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021, was tragically killed in the crash. His passing was confirmed by India’s civil aviation minister.

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, 60, was a veteran Air India pilot with almost three decades of experience and over 8,200 flight hours. As a Line Training Captain, he mentored younger crew members and was just months away from retirement. He lived with his father, a former civil aviation official.

Ketan Shah

Ketan Shah, 43, a father of two and proprietor of a village community store in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, was visiting his ailing father in India. He was traveling with his wife Megha and their teenage son and daughter. His close friend described him as a brother, and a tribute was being arranged in Southampton.

Lamnunthem Singson

Lamnunthem Singson, a member of the cabin crew, was the sole breadwinner for her mother and brother. Her cousin expressed deep concern as he sought information outside the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad.

Swapnil Soni, his wife Yoga and sister-in-law Alpa

Swapnil Soni, 45, was traveling with his wife Yoga and sister-in-law Alpa. They were headed to London to meet Alpa’s husband, Nishith, who was completing an extensive road trip. A change in their original travel plans led them to be on the fateful flight.

The Syed Family

Javed Syed and his wife Mariam, from West London, were on the flight with their two young children, Zayn and Amani. They were returning from a holiday in India. Mrs. Syed was employed at Harrods, while Mr. Syed worked at a West London hotel.

Adam and Hasina Taju, and their son-in-law Altafhusen Patel

Adam Taju, 72, and his wife Hasina, 70, along with their son-in-law Altafhusen Patel, 51, were traveling back from Ahmedabad. Their granddaughter, Ammaarah Taju, spoke of her shock and disbelief from her parents’ home in Blackburn.

Manisha Thapa

Manisha Thapa, 27, was a cabin crew member remembered by friends as a promising young woman with high ambitions. Her journey in aviation was a source of great pride for her village.