"My Ganpatiji Saved Me...": Bharuch Woman Narrowly Escapes Ahmedabad Air Crash That Killed 241

A missed flight turned into a miraculous escape for Bharuch resident Bhoomi Chauhan, who was meant to be on board the ill fated Air India flight that crashed shortly after take-off in Ahmedabad on Thursday, killing 241 people.

The London-bound flight AI171, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed just 32 seconds after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM, bursting into flames as it plummeted into the residential quarters of BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar. Only one person survived.

Among those meant to be on the flight was Bhoomi, who arrived at the airport just ten minutes late after being caught in severe traffic. She was devastated when denied boarding, but minutes later, news of the crash left her numb.

“I was getting ready to step out of the airport when I learnt about the crash,” Bhoomi recalled. “I began shivering. My legs started trembling. I felt completely numb for quite some time," she added.

She had travelled to India for a holiday and was returning to London, where she lives with her husband. “The flight was scheduled for 1:10 PM. Boarding had closed by 12:10, and I reached at 12:20. I begged the airline staff to let me board. I said I would complete the formalities quickly, but they didn’t allow me,” she said.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Bhoomi added, “I was upset and walking towards the airport exit when I heard the plane had crashed. My Ganpati ji saved me.”

Her mother, equally shaken, said divine intervention protected her daughter. “She had left her child with me and was travelling alone. I truly believe it’s because of that child that she was saved. We thank God for returning her safely," said her mother.

The crash has been described as one of the worst in India’s recent aviation history. Of the 242 people on board, 239 passengers, two pilots, and 12 cabin crew members were killed. The pilot had reportedly issued a “Mayday” call, a signal of extreme emergency, shortly after take-off. Aviation experts say preliminary signs point to a catastrophic dual engine failure, though a full investigation is ongoing.

A high-level inquiry committee has been set up by the central government. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed the probe, while Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, has pledged full support. One black box has been recovered from the wreckage, though officials have not yet released data from it.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site of the crash and met with the sole survivor. “We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this tragic accident,” he assured.

Air India confirmed the fatalities in a late-night post on X and announced ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of each victim. The airline also promised full medical support for the injured.​