In a stunning turn of events, a doctor narrowly escaped the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday, which claimed the lives of 241 people. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, flight AI171, crashed into a medical college hostel shortly after takeoff, turning a routine afternoon into a scene of devastation. Among the deceased were at least five medical students who were having lunch and about 50 injured.
Dr. Dhaval Gameti, a doctor at a nearby hospital, experienced a stroke of luck that defied all odds. According to sources, Dr. Gameti usually has lunch at the medical college hostel mess. However, on the day of the crash, he skipped his regular meal due to a hectic schedule. This decision, seemingly insignificant at the time, proved to be life-saving. Had he been in the mess hall as usual, he would have likely been among the victims of the horrific crash.
Meanwhile, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national, miraculously survived the crash and is currently receiving treatment at Ahmedabad's Civil Hospital. Ramesh, who was in seat 11A, managed to escape the wreckage through an opening in the fuselage. He recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the crash, stating that the lights inside the aircraft started flickering shortly after takeoff, and within seconds, the plane felt like it was "stuck in the air" before slamming into a building and exploding. He sustained multiple injuries but is reported to be out of danger.
The crash site presented a grim picture, with bodies strewn amidst the debris. Rescue operations were immediately launched, and authorities worked tirelessly to recover bodies and provide medical assistance to the injured. Among the victims were Dr. Prateek Joshi, a radiologist at Royal Derby Hospital, his wife Dr. Komi Vyas, and their three young children. The family was en route to London for a fresh start when tragedy struck, their final family selfie now a poignant reminder of a dream shattered.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the aviation community and prompted investigations into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that the plane may have issued a mayday call to air traffic control before losing contact. Aviation experts are analyzing the recovered black box to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the disaster.
The Ahmedabad tragedy is one of the worst aviation disasters in recent decades. While the sole survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, recounts his unbelievable escape and a doctor narrowly avoided being at the site of impact due to skipping lunch, families mourn the loss of loved ones, including promising medical professionals and families embarking on new journeys. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of fate.
