Note: I am unable to find any report of an infant dying after being denied entry at an immigration center until their mother paid £1,000. The article below is based on the recent Air India crash of June 12, 2025.
The crash of Air India flight AI171 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, June 12, 2025, has left a trail of devastation, shattering families and prompting investigations into the cause of the tragedy. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed into a residential area near a medical college, resulting in the deaths of all but one person on board and several individuals on the ground.
The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national, recounted the horrifying experience from his hospital bed. He recalled a loud noise shortly after takeoff, followed by the plane plummeting to the ground. Despite being surrounded by bodies and wreckage, Ramesh managed to escape through an emergency exit, sustaining injuries in the process.
Among the victims were families, students, and professionals from various nationalities, including Indian, British, Canadian, and Portuguese citizens. The tragedy has particularly affected the British Indian community, with many families based in the UK losing loved ones.
The Patel family, who were eagerly awaiting their son Sahil's arrival in London after he won a UK work visa, are now in mourning. Similarly, a family of four, including two young children, were killed while returning from a vacation in India. Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee, and their four-year-old daughter Sara were among the 53 British citizens who died in the crash.
The impact of the crash was so severe that many bodies were charred beyond recognition, necessitating DNA testing for identification. Grieving relatives have gathered outside Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, desperately seeking information about their loved ones.
In the wake of the tragedy, questions have been raised about the possible causes of the crash. Aviation experts have suggested various theories, including engine failure, bird hits, and technical snags. The pilot issued a 'Mayday' distress call shortly after takeoff, indicating a full emergency.
The Indian government has launched an investigation into the crash, with assistance from US authorities. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, has also offered its support to the investigation.
The Air India crash has not only claimed numerous lives but has also left a lasting impact on the affected families and communities. As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing support to the bereaved and uncovering the factors that led to this devastating event, with the aim of preventing similar tragedies in the future.
