The devastating crash of Air India Flight AI171 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has sent shockwaves across the globe. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, crashed in the Meghani Nagar area on June 12, 2025, claiming the lives of at least 204 people with 242 on board. Amidst this tragedy, a story of sheer luck and divine intervention has emerged.
Bhoomi Chauhan, a passenger scheduled to be on the ill-fated flight, narrowly escaped the disaster by a mere ten minutes. Due to heavy traffic, she was delayed and arrived at the airport just as the boarding gates were closing. Disappointed but undeterred, she made her way back home, unaware of the catastrophe that awaited the flight she was meant to be on.
Speaking to Republic TV, Chauhan recounted her experience with a choked voice, expressing immense gratitude for her escape. "I am completely devastated after hearing about the loss (of lives). My body is literally shivering. I am not being able to talk," she said. The news of the crash left her in disbelief and shock, struggling to comprehend the extent of the tragedy.
Chauhan, who was traveling back to London to reunite with her husband after a vacation in India, attributed her escape to divine intervention. "I am thankful to God. My Ganpati Bappa saved me," she exclaimed, referring to the Hindu deity Ganesha, also known as Ganpati, who is revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of new beginnings.
The near-miss has had a profound impact on Chauhan, leaving her with a sense of disbelief and gratitude. "Just because of those ten minutes, I could not board the flight. I don't know how to explain this," she stated, still trying to process the events that unfolded. While saddened by the tragic loss of lives, she acknowledges the fortunate circumstances that spared her from a similar fate. "My mind is totally blank now after hearing all that has happened," she added, still reeling from the shock.
The crash of Air India Flight AI171 has been met with widespread grief and condolences. Rescue operations were immediately launched, with emergency response teams working tirelessly to recover bodies from the crash site. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, with authorities exploring all possible factors.
As the world mourns the lives lost in this tragic accident, Bhoomi Chauhan's story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the power of faith. While the pain of the tragedy remains, her miraculous escape offers a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, a testament to the belief that sometimes, divine forces intervene to protect us from harm.
