A family took a selfie to celebrate ‘new beginnings’ just moments before the devastating crash
Komi Vyas and her family were on their way to start their new life in the UK, when flight 171 crashed moments after take off.
Ms Vyas, a doctor who worked in Udaipupr had quit her job and planned to move to the UK to join her husband, Dr Prateek Joshi, in London, along with their three children.
The family were among the 290 casualties of the deadly Air India plane crash.
The selfie shows the couple sitting across the aisle from their three children: twin boys Nakul and Pradyut (5), and their daughter Miraya (8).
According to Dr Joshi’s Cousin, Nayan ‘they left for Ahmedabad yesterday’ to take the flight to London.
“Prateek had come here just two days ago to take his wife and children with him”, per LBC.
Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed just moments after take-off in the densely populated Meghani area of Ahmedabad.
Data from the app indicates that the aircraft only reached 625ft (190m) before entering a negative climb rate, losing altitude, and ultimately crashing into the ground, hitting the doctors’ accommodation and a student canteen.
Pilots gave a mayday call to air traffic control, however, reports say that the plane lost signal upon reaching its highest point with no subsequent contact being able to be made.
Identities of British nationals onboard the Boeing have begun to surface.
At least 290 people have died in the tragedy. Among them were 169 Indian nationals, 52 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian.
It is believed at least five medical students have been killed and around 50 were injured after the plane crashed on the student grounds, according to the vice president of the Federation of All India Medical Association.
The chief executive of Air India has expressed his “deep sorrow” following the incident, saying: “This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families and loved ones.”
