A family’s joyful farewell transforms into tragedy as a plane crashes after takeoff, leaving a haunting selfie behind.
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In a heartbreaking twist of fate, a family’s final selfie on board an Air India flight has surfaced, taken just moments before tragedy struck. Dr. Komi Vyas and her husband, Dr. Prateek Joshi, were celebrating a new beginning, ready to start their life in London with their three children.
Just after 1:40 PM local time, as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner departed from Ahmedabad Airport, their joy turned to horror as the aircraft crashed back to earth.
A moment frozen in time
The selfie, snapped by Dr. Joshi, captures the family’s excitement.
They are seen smiling, unaware of the impending disaster. Their twin boys, Nakul and Pradyut, aged five, along with their eight-year-old daughter, Miraya, beam with joy. Dr. Joshi’s cousin, Nayan, recounted their last moments: “They had just set off for a new life. It was supposed to be a happy journey.”
Crash details emerge
Seconds after takeoff, the plane lost altitude rapidly, crashing into the densely populated Meghani area of Ahmedabad. With 242 passengers onboard, including 53 Britons, the tragedy has claimed at least 290 lives, with victims also found on the ground. Eyewitness accounts describe a terrifying scene as the aircraft exploded upon impact, sending plumes of black smoke into the sky.
Survivor’s harrowing tale
Amidst the devastation, one person emerged alive. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, was seated in 11A when chaos erupted. “Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise. Everything happened so fast,” he recalled, visibly shaken. He described a scene of horror as he navigated through debris and bodies, desperately seeking escape.
Investigation into the crash
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Aviation experts suggest that a sudden loss of engine power during the critical phase of flight could be to blame. Speculations range from a possible bird strike to engine performance issues. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has confirmed that a mayday call was made just moments before the tragedy unfolded.
Expert opinions on the crash dynamics
Former pilots are weighing in on the incident, with Lt. Col. John R. Davidson noting that the plane seemed to reach takeoff speed but failed to gain the necessary altitude. “It suggests either a very late rotation or a stall shortly after takeoff,” he stated. This aligns with observations from CCTV footage showing the plane’s ascent followed by a rapid descent.
Community mourning and resilience
As families grieve the loss of their loved ones, the community is rallying together. Family members of the victims are left in shock, mourning those who set out for a new life only to face an unimaginable fate. Locals have come together to support one another, sharing memories and offering comfort amidst the pain.
Looking ahead
While the investigation is ongoing, questions linger over the safety protocols and the circumstances that led to this disaster. The aviation community awaits answers, while families continue to mourn. What could have been done differently? How can such tragedies be prevented in the future? These questions remain unanswered, leaving a somber reflection on a day that began with hope.
