UK air accident investigators have arrived in India to assist with the ongoing investigation into the devastating Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash near Ahmedabad. The tragic incident, which occurred shortly after take-off on Thursday, resulted in the deaths of 241 of the 242 people on board, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters involving British nationals.
The aircraft crashed into a medical college hostel in a residential area, causing significant loss of life both onboard and potentially among residents. Officials recovered an additional 25 victims from the wreckage by Friday evening, though it remains unclear if they were passengers or locals. In total, 270 bodies have been received at Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital, as confirmed by Dr Dhaval Gameti.
Among the massive loss is a family of three from Gloucester: Akeel Nanabawa, Hannaa Vorajee, and their four-year-old daughter, Sara. Their relatives describe them as “widely loved and deeply respected.” Vorajee was a dedicated volunteer and director of an organisation promoting religious understanding, while Nanabawa operated a recruitment business with ties to Ahmedabad. Zaheera Nanabawa, a cousin, expressed profound shock at their sudden loss, calling Akeel the “glue” of their family.
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Grief has spread beyond Gloucester. In Harrow, a vigil was held featuring prayers from Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Jewish faith leaders for the 20 victims connected to the community. Harrow mayor Anjana Patel shared sorrowful news of two young girls who lost their father, Arjun Patoliya, in the crash. Patoliya had been returning from India after performing last rites for his wife who recently died from cancer, leaving his daughters orphaned.
A radiologist from Derby, Dr Prateek Joshi, also perished in the accident. Colleagues remembered him fondly for his passion for life and family, recounting his newfound love for fish and chips and outdoor walks in the Peak District.
The sole survivor, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, remains hospitalized. He described the terrifying moments onboard, recalling the plane’s flickering lights and the impact with a building. Despite the trauma, Ramesh is recovering well and expected to be discharged soon. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is providing him with consular support.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site on Friday and met with Ramesh at the hospital, underscoring the gravity of the tragedy. The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has deployed four experts to aid the Indian authorities, bringing knowledge in aircraft operations, engineering, and data analysis. The critical black box flight recorder has been recovered and will play a vital role in determining the cause of the crash.
DNA samples from relatives continue to be collected to identify the victims, as communities in both India and the UK unite in mourning and support for the families left behind.