By Blessing 
Tragedy in the Skies: The Lives Lost in the Air India Flight AI171 Crash
A somber cloud hangs over India and the world following the devastating crash of Air India Flight AI171, which was en route to London Gatwick Airport. The aircraft went down shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad in western India, killing nearly everyone on board.
The airline has confirmed the heartbreaking loss of almost all 242 people on the flight, which included both passengers and crew members. The victims hailed from various parts of the globe—169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British, seven were Portuguese, and one was Canadian.
Additionally, at least eight residents of the Ahmedabad area, including four medical students, were killed when the aircraft plummeted into a local neighborhood. These individuals were not passengers but became victims due to the crash’s impact zone, according to a senior health official who spoke with the BBC.
Amid the devastation, one miracle emerged. Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British citizen, survived the wreckage and is currently being treated for his injuries. His survival story brings a glimmer of hope, but for many, it is overshadowed by overwhelming loss.
Below are the stories of some of the individuals and families confirmed to have perished in the crash:
The Nanabawa Family
Among those who lost their lives were Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee, and their four-year-old daughter Sara, all from Gloucester, UK. The family had been on a surprise visit to India.
Their loved ones are reeling from the loss. In a family-issued statement, they shared: “We are heartbroken and devastated. We are still coming to terms with the enormity of what has happened.”
Imam Abdullah spoke of their impact on the community: “His quiet generosity, her warmth and kindness, and their daughter’s bright, joyful spirit made a lasting impact on everyone who knew them. This tragedy has shaken our entire community.”
The Gloucester Muslim Society also expressed deep sorrow: “May their cherished memories provide comfort, and may they rest in eternal peace.”
Adam and Hasina Taju, and Altafhusen Patel
Adam Taju (72) and his wife Hasina (70) were flying back to London with their 51-year-old son-in-law, Altafhusen Patel. Their family, including their granddaughter Ammaarah Taju, is devastated.
Ammaarah shared that her father had driven to London to be with relatives as they waited for updates. The family is leaning on one another for strength during this time of shock and grief.
Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek
Married couple Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, well known for their spiritual wellness centre in London, were also on the flight. Just before boarding, they posted a joyful Instagram story from Ahmedabad airport, smiling and laughing about their trip to India.
Now, that lighthearted moment has become a haunting memory for their followers and loved ones.
The Syed Family
Javed Syed and Mariam Syed, residents of west London, were traveling with their two young children. Mariam worked at Harrods while Javed was employed at a hotel. Their sudden loss has sent shockwaves through their friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
Ajay Kumar Ramesh
Ajay Kumar Ramesh was sitting next to his brother Vishwashkumar Ramesh, the sole known survivor. According to their cousin Ajay Valgi, Vishwashkumar managed to contact the family to say he was safe but was unaware of Ajay’s status at the time. Tragically, Ajay Kumar did not survive.
Vijay Rupani
Vijay Rupani, former chief minister of Gujarat, was also among the deceased. His death was confirmed by India’s civil aviation minister. Rupani served Gujarat from 2016 to 2021 and was a member of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party).
Singson, Cabin Crew Member
Singson, a crew member aboard Flight AI171, also died in the crash. Her cousin, T. Thanglingo Haokip, who was at Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital, shared that she had been the sole breadwinner for her family, supporting her mother and brother. He expressed frustration at the lack of information as he searched for answers about her condition.
Raxa and Rudra Modha
A grandmother and her grandson were also among those lost. Raxa Modha, from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, was traveling with her two-year-old grandson Rudra. The two were believed to be returning to the UK for a memorial service for Raxa’s husband Kishor, who had passed away from cancer in April.
Raj Mishra, the mayor of Wellingborough, offered his condolences: “I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends and all those affected by this heartbreaking event. May their memories be a blessing.”
The Joshi Family
One of the most heartbreaking stories is that of the Joshi family from Derby. Dr. Prateek Joshi, a consultant radiologist at Royal Derby Hospital, was traveling with his wife, Komi Vyas, and their three children—twin five-year-old boys, Nakul and Pradyut, and their eight-year-old daughter Miraya.
The Derby Hindu Temple, where the family were devoted members, paid tribute: “Dr Joshi [and his family] supported us through their sincere service and dedication. We pray to Lord Shiva to grant eternal peace to the departed souls.”
Their neighbor, Neil Ryan, recalled them fondly: “They were the nicest family.”
This catastrophic event has left families across continents in mourning and communities grasping for comfort. While investigations into what caused the crash are still underway, the focus for now remains on honoring the lives lost and supporting those left behind.
As the world watches in grief and disbelief, the names and stories of these victims serve as a painful reminder that every passenger on that flight had dreams, families, and futures that were tragically cut short.
Let us remember them not just as statistics in a tragedy, but as vibrant lives who meant the world to someone—and who will be deeply missed.