The tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 on June 12, 2025, has left the nation reeling from a deep sense of sorrow and loss. Among the many heartbreaking stories to emerge from this devastating incident, one in particular has touched hearts across the world — that of 55-year-old Raxa Modha and her two-year-old grandson, Rudra, who lost their lives while returning to the UK after fulfilling a deeply emotional commitment.
A Journey to Fulfil a Husband’s Final Wish
Raxa Modha, a UK-based Indian woman, had traveled to India with her grandson, daughter-in-law, and husband to fulfil the latter’s final wish — to spend his last days in his homeland. Her husband, Kishor Modha, passed away in April 2025, and Raxa remained in India to honour his wish.
She was on her way back to England with her grandson, Rudra, for the planned cremation and prayer ceremony in June. Tragedy struck as she boarded the ill-fated AI171 flight, which crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, taking her and her grandson’s lives.
The Devastating Impact on the Modha Family
The Modha family ran a well-known Indian food catering business in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, called Pooja Caterers. Kishor and Raxa had three children and one grandchild. According to reports, Raxa’s son, Kishan, was supposed to return on a different flight, which ultimately saved his life. However, within a span of three months, he lost his father, mother, and only child — an unimaginable blow.
What Happened to Air India Flight AI171?
Air India AI171 was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to Gatwick Airport, London. The flight took off around 1:30 PM but lost control just 32 seconds into the air. The aircraft struggled to gain altitude and began to descend. A May Day call was made, but before air traffic control could respond, the aircraft plummeted from a height of 625 feet.
It crashed into the rooftop of the B.J. Medical College hostel, causing massive casualties both onboard and on the ground. Among the 242 people onboard — including 219 passengers and 12 crew members — only one person survived. This lone survivor, seated at 11A near an emergency exit, miraculously escaped with injuries before the plane exploded.
Former Gujarat CM Among the Victims
The crash also claimed the life of former Gujarat Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani, and numerous medical students who were staying in the hostel at the time of impact. With over 265 confirmed casualties, this has become one of the deadliest air disasters in recent Indian aviation history.
Continued Investigations and Mourning
Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the crash. Witnesses report seeing the plane struggle in the air and hearing loud noises before it plummeted. Aviation experts suspect a technical failure, but the black box and flight recorder data are yet to be fully analyzed.
A Nation United in Grief
The story of Raxa Modha and her grandson is a painful reminder of the human cost of such tragedies. From a widow fulfilling her late husband’s last wish to a son who now has to bear the loss of three generations of his family, the impact of this crash is deeply personal and painfully profound.
Team BollywoodShaadis and millions across the globe stand in solidarity with the victims’ families. May their souls rest in peace.