14-year-old Akash among ground victims of Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad
Near BJ Medical College, young Akash tragically loses his life when part of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashes and ignites a fatal blaze at a nearby tea stall, leaving a community in mourning
Ahmedabad: A tragic accident unfolded on June 12, when Air India Flight AI-171 crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, struck a residential building near BJ Medical College and burst into flames. Out of the nearly complete loss of life on board, just one passenger survived, while rescue teams continued their efforts at the crash site.
Among the ground casualties was 14-year-old Akash, who was sitting near a tea stall close to the hospital when part of the aircraft hit the area. Witnesses described how debris struck him on the head, and the rapidly spreading fire made it impossible for his family to rescue him in time. His mother, who owned a shop below the hospital, faced the heart-breaking ordeal of almost being caught in the inferno herself.
The disaster did not just affect those on the flight. The impact of the crash and ensuing chaos devastated families on the ground as well. For example, the Lavania family from Akola village near Agra is now mourning the loss of Neeraj and Aparna Lavania, both passengers on Flight AI-171. Relatives expressed deep shock and sorrow as they struggled with the overwhelming grief brought about by the tragedy.
Rescue operations and identification efforts are underway at BJ Medical College. Authorities are using DNA sampling to identify charred remains, and emergency teams continue their work to help families learn more about their missing loved ones. This incident has left communities in mourning while raising urgent questions about aviation safety and emergency response.
