A 28-year-old business administration student from Bristol, Bhoomi Chauhan, narrowly escaped tragedy after missing Air India Flight AI 171 by just ten minutes due to traffic. The flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad to London, killing nearly all 242 people on board.
Missed Boarding Amid Chennai‑Like Traffic
Chauhan, who had checked in online for seat 36G, arrived at Ahmedabad airport at 12:20 p.m., ten minutes late for the scheduled 12:10 p.m. boarding time. She pleaded with airline staff to let her on but was refused—the last passenger denied entry.
From Frustration to Relief
Initially angry and dejected, Chauhan waited in a café with her travel agent, discussing ticket refunds. Moments later, she received a devastating call: the aircraft had crashed soon after takeoff, killing all but one passenger. She described the near-miss as “totally a miracle”.
Flight AI 171 Crash Context
Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787–8, took off at 1:38 p.m. on June 12. Roughly 30 seconds into the flight, its pilots issued a mayday call: “Thrust not achieved. Falling.” The plane crashed into a hostel building at B.J. Medical College, killing 241 onboard and additional people on the ground.
Survivor and Toll
The sole survivor from the aircraft was British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated next to an emergency exit, who escaped with minor injuries. Ground casualties included at least 38 deaths and over 60 injuries among hospital residents and staff.
Student Reflects on Fate
Chauhan, now safe in Bristol, describes herself as “completely numb” and shaken by the near-death experience. She remains haunted by thoughts of what could have been if she’d arrived earlier. Her reflection resonates as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the unpredictable power of fate.
Ongoing Investigation and Aftermath
Investigators from India’s AAIB, supported by UK and US experts, are analyzing data from the recovered flight data recorder. They are examining possible causes such as engine failure, flap configuration, or bird strikes. Meanwhile, Air India and the UK Foreign Office have set up support lines for relatives of victims.
Chauhan’s brief delay spared her life amid a horrific disaster. Her story stands as both a tragic twist of fate and a reminder of the unpredictability of life, resonating deeply as investigations seek the truth behind one of the deadliest aviation crashes in recent memory.
