The first funeral for a British victim of the Air India Flight 171 crash has taken place, just three days after the devastating aviation disaster near Ahmedabad. Elcina Alpesh Makwana, a 42-year-old mother of two from Hounslow, London, was laid to rest at Pensionpora Cemetery Vadodara in Gujarat on Sunday morning. She is the first of the 53 British nationals who perished in the crash to have her remains returned to her family.
The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, 2025, killing 241 passengers and crew on board, and at least 38 people on the ground. The crash site became a scene of immense devastation, with most bodies charred and mutilated, making identification a painstaking process. Authorities are relying on DNA testing to identify the victims, a process that normally takes up to 72 hours.
Elcina's husband, Alpesh, and their two children, aged seven and 11, traveled to India for the Catholic service. Family members described Elcina as a "sweet" and "gentle" soul. Her uncle, Joseph Patelia, revealed that Elcina had called her father, Edwin Patelia, to reassure him that she had boarded the flight safely. Tragically, that was the last time they would speak. He described her as a “gentle soul” and incredibly generous, supporting the education of children in her homeland. "Elcina was incredibly sweet, kind and generous, a truly gentle soul,” he said. “She had adopted two children back home and was paying for their education. She gave quietly, never seeking attention.”
The Air India Flight 171 crash is one of the worst aviation disasters in recent history. The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, recounted the horror of watching people die around him as the plane crashed. He miraculously escaped through a broken door.
King Charles III and other members of the royal family wore black armbands and observed a moment of silence during his annual birthday parade on Saturday as the monarch commemorated those who died in this week's Air India plane crash.
As families grapple with unimaginable loss, the identification process continues at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Frustration and anger are growing among those waiting for news of their loved ones. Rashid Hora, who lost three family members, including his four-year-old niece, expressed the anguish of many: "Victims' families need confirmation, you've taken our DNA and how many have been matched, how many bodies have you identified? Tell us. It's now over 48 hours and we have no information."
Authorities have recovered the flight's black box, which is hoped to provide crucial clues about the cause of the crash. Initial reports suggest the final cockpit transmission included phrases like "thrust not achieved," "falling," and a faint "mayday." Aviation Minister Ram Naidu has set a three-month deadline for the investigation.
In the wake of the tragedy, tributes are pouring in for the victims, revealing stories of lives cut short. Arjun Patoliya, a father of two young daughters, was among those on board. He was returning home after scattering his wife's ashes in Gujarat, fulfilling her final wish. A GoFundMe page has been set up for his daughters, who have now lost both parents in the span of just 18 days. Similarly, Dr. Joshi, a radiologist, was traveling with his wife, Dr. Komi Vyas, and their three children.
The world mourns with the families and loved ones of those who perished in the Air India Flight 171 crash.
