The devastating Air India AI171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, has shaken the nation to its core. With 241 passengers and crew killed onboard, and additional casualties on the ground, the death toll has reached at least 260, marking one of the worst aviation disasters in Indian history.
Among the stories of heartbreak and shattered dreams is that of a family of five from Rajasthan, on their way to start a new life in London — a life that ended in mere seconds.
A Dream Cut Short: Family of Five From Banswara Among Victims
Onboard the ill-fated Air India flight was Dr. Kaumi Vyas, her husband Pratik Joshi, and their three children — Miraya, and twins Pradyut and Nakul Joshi. The family hailed from Banswara city in Rajasthan, and they were filled with hope and excitement as they prepared to relocate to London.
Pratik Joshi, who had been working in London for some time, had flown back to India to bring his wife and children to settle with him permanently. Dr. Kaumi Vyas, a dedicated medical professional, worked at a private hospital in Rajasthan and was ready to begin a new chapter of her life abroad.
In what would become a chilling memory, Pratik took a selfie of the entire family aboard the aircraft, smiling together — unaware that it would be their last photo ever. That image, later circulated on social media, has become a haunting symbol of lives lost too soon.
The Last Photo: A Family’s Final Smile Before Tragedy
The photo shows the couple, Pratik and Kaumi, seated side by side, while their three children sit next to them — all smiling, full of joy and anticipation. The image was shared by Kaumi Vyas on social media just before the flight took off.
Within 33 seconds of takeoff, that dream turned into a nightmare.
Crash Details: What Happened to Air India Flight AI171?
The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, flight number AI171, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, at 1:38 PM on June 12. The aircraft carried 242 individuals, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members.
Tragically, the plane crashed just 33 seconds after takeoff, plummeting into a residential locality and crashing into the interns’ hostel of BJ Medical College. The disaster didn’t just claim the lives of those on board — it also resulted in the deaths of several people on the ground.
As of now, 260 deaths have been confirmed, with only one surviving passenger, identified as Ramesh Vishvaskumar, who is currently undergoing treatment.
Tea-Seller’s Son Among the Victims
This tragedy struck families from across India and beyond — including individuals from humble beginnings. Among the deceased was a young man from Bihar, the son of a tea-seller, who had recently joined as cabin crew. He had been excited about his first international flight, filled with dreams of building a better life for his family. Those dreams were reduced to ashes in seconds.
The Scale of the Tragedy: India Mourns
This horrific crash is not just a statistic — it is a national wound. Stories of entire families perishing, parents losing children, and communities losing bright young lives have emerged from across the country. The victims included students, doctors, newlyweds, NRIs, children, and airline staff. Each carried their own story of ambition, love, and dreams — all of which ended in tragedy.
The crash site, now a wreck of twisted metal and scorched remains, is under investigation as authorities seek to determine what went wrong so quickly after takeoff.
Eyewitnesses and Rescue Efforts
Locals near the crash site described the scene as “hellish”, with fireballs, explosions, and cries for help filling the air. Emergency services, fire brigades, and medical teams rushed to the site, but the impact and ensuing blaze left little room for survival.
Conclusion: A Nation in Grief, Questions That Remain
As India mourns, questions about aircraft safety, crew readiness, and technical malfunctions have resurfaced. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other regulatory bodies have launched investigations, and Air India has announced compensation for the victims’ families.
But no amount of investigation or compensation can bring back the lives lost. The stories of the Joshi family, the tea-seller’s son, and dozens of others will remain etched in the nation’s memory — a reminder of the fragility of life and the need for accountability and aviation safety.