Air India Crash: Passenger Recounts Missing Doomed Flight

Bhoomi Chauhan, a resident of Ahmedabad, is thanking fate after missing Air India Flight AI-171 to London by just 10 minutes—a flight that tragically crashed minutes after takeoff, killing 241 people.

The near-miss has left Chauhan shaken and speechless. “When I heard about the crash, my legs shook, and I felt a cold shiver,” she told local media. “My mind went blank. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.”

Missed Flight Becomes Lifesaver

Chauhan was headed to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to board the doomed Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which was carrying 242 passengers, including 53 Britons. But a severe traffic jam caused her to arrive just 10 minutes too late.

“I pleaded at the gate, but the staff said the boarding was closed. I never imagined that delay would save my life,” Chauhan said.

Shortly after she was denied entry, news broke that Flight AI-171 had crashed in Meghani, a densely populated area of Ahmedabad, around 1:40 p.m. local time (8:10 a.m. BST). The plane lost control minutes after takeoff and went down with its nose high and landing gear extended, as captured by nearby CCTV footage.

Only One Survivor

Authorities have confirmed that only one person survived the devastating crash. Investigations are underway to determine what caused the aircraft to lose control so quickly after takeoff. The black box has been recovered, and air safety experts are combing through the wreckage.

A Vacation That Nearly Turned Fatal

Chauhan had been visiting India for a short vacation. Her husband had stayed behind in London, expecting her to return on the same flight.

“Instead of a reunion, he was preparing to identify my body,” she said tearfully. “I can’t stop thinking about those poor families who weren’t as lucky as I was.”

Final Thoughts

This tragedy is a stark reminder of how a small twist of fate—like a traffic delay—can change everything. Bhoomi Chauhan’s narrow escape has stunned many, and her story is now being shared widely as a tale of unbelievable luck and deep sorrow for those who didn’t survive.