A selfie taken by a family from Rajasthan aboard Air India flight AI-171, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, has become a poignant reminder of the tragedy.
According to NDTV, Dr. Pratik Joshi and Dr. Kamini Joshi, both former doctors at Udaipur Medical College, were among the passengers aboard the Air India flight AI-171 that tragically crashed just after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday (June 12).
The couple, along with their three children, were en route to London when the accident occurred.
Family background
The New Indian Express reported that Dr. Pratik Joshi had moved to London in 2016, and Dr. Kamini Joshi was reportedly planning to resign from Udaipur Medical College to join him.
Their three children, including twin sons Nakul and Pradyut, aged five, and their eight-year-old daughter Miraya, were also aboard the flight.
The crash has left their families in Banswara and Dr. Kamini’s colleagues at Udaipur Medical College in deep mourning.
Flight crash details
The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which was headed for Gatwick, crashed just 32 seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad airport at 1:38 pm on Thursday.
There were 242 people aboard, including 230 passengers and 10 crew members, as well as two pilots.
The aircraft experienced difficulties shortly after takeoff, with experts stating the plane appeared to be struggling to gain lift, possibly due to engine failure.
Investigation underway
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is looking into the aircraft’s performance at the time of takeoff.
The exact cause of the incident remains under investigation.
As of Thursday evening, only one survivor had been confirmed, 40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British-Indian returning to the UK after a visit.
National grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, stating that it has “stunned and saddened” the nation.
He said he was in touch with ministers and authorities assisting those affected by the crash.
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.” PM Modi posted on X.
The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2025
