An Air India Boeing 787 flight crashed shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least 240 people on board and on the ground. The disaster, which had only one known survivor, included a Canadian national among the casualties.
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This report details the incident, the identity of the Canadian victim, and initial reactions from officials.
Details of the Crash
The Air India flight was en route from India to London, England, when it crashed approximately five minutes after departing Ahmedabad. The incident occurred around 1:38 p.m. local time.
The aviation disaster involved a fiery explosion, according to videos reportedly showing the event. Of the passengers and crew, at least 240 people perished. Only one person is reported to have survived the crash.
Canadian Victim Identified
Dr. Nirali Patel, a registered dentist working in Mississauga, Ontario, was confirmed to be on board the ill-fated flight. A family friend, Don Patel, shared this information with Global News.
Dr. Patel lived in Etobicoke with her husband, who is also in dentistry, and their young child. She had traveled to India for social visits with friends and family and was planning to return home soon.
Don Patel, who knew Nirali through volunteer work in the Toronto area, stated that her family was in shock upon receiving the devastating news. Her husband was particularly affected. The family traveled to India as soon as they learned of the crash. They expressed gratitude for the support received but requested privacy during this difficult time.
Background of Dr. Nirali Patel
According to a biography on the website of her clinic, the Heritage Dental Centre, Nirali graduated from a dental college in India before relocating to Canada.
She was described as a hardworking individual dedicated to community service. She reportedly volunteered at a free dental camp every year. Her bio included a quote from her: “The feeling that my work has made a difference in someone’s life brightens my day,” explaining her motivation for becoming a dentist.
Reactions from Officials
The crash prompted condolences from political leaders in Canada and India.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford shared a statement expressing sadness. “I’m saddened to learn that a Canadian from Mississauga, Ontario, was among those lost in the tragic Air India crash near Ahmedabad,” he wrote. He extended condolences on behalf of the people of Ontario to the victims’ families.
Still image from video showing experts discussing the deadly Air India plane crash disaster.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also reacted, stating he was “Devastated to learn of the crash of a London-bound Air India plane in Ahmedabad.” He confirmed that Canada’s transportation officials were in close contact with their counterparts and that he was receiving regular updates on the response to the tragedy.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the events as “heartbreaking beyond words,” adding that his thoughts were with everyone affected in this sad hour.
Flight Details and Passenger Nationalities
According to Air India, the flight was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and the one Canadian national.
The Boeing 787 aircraft crashed just five minutes after its scheduled takeoff time of 1:33 p.m. local time.
Still image from video discussing the sole survivor of the Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad.
Conclusion
The Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad resulted in a significant loss of life, including a Canadian resident. Investigations into the cause of the disaster are expected to be ongoing. The incident has brought widespread grief and prompted official responses from the involved nations.
Readers can find ongoing coverage and related stories on the Air India disaster and its impact.
