Air India 171, a London-bound flight carrying 242 passengers and crew members, crashed mere moments after its take-off from Ahmedabad Airport, killing the majority of those on board, including a loving family of five who were looking forward to a new chapter in their lives. Their last ever selfie has surfaced on the internet, becoming a heartbreaking symbol of the tragedy.**
Last Moments Before the Tragedy
Pratik Joshi, Dr Komi Vyas, and their three young children were among the victims of the crash, having boarded AI-171 to relocate to London after a six-year wait. Just before take-off, they shared a smiling selfie, now being known as the "saddest selfie ever" online, showing the couple seated together with their children across the aisle. Relatives had gathered at the airport to bid them farewell earlier.
As reported by Financial Express, Dr Komi Vyas, who was reportedly a lecturer at Udaipur Medical College, had recently said goodbye to her students. A user shared, “It’s hard to believe that just last week, she warmly bid farewell to all her students. None of them imagined it would be their last goodbye!”
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The Crash and Its Aftermath
Within mere minutes of take-off, disaster struck them without warning. The aircraft crashed into the BJMC hostel in Ahmedabad, injuring resident doctors and MBBS students. Netizens expressed shock, with one calling the family’s photo "heaven’s smile," adding their memory would be "etched across the sky forever."
As the nation reeled from the devastating AI-171 tragedy, Prime Minister Modi addressed the public directly via X, stating: “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”