Grieving the loss of their loved one in the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171, the family of British national Ramesh Patel arrived in Ahmedabad, overcome with sorrow and disbelief. Patel was among the 241 people who lost their lives when the flight to London Gatwick crashed moments after takeoff on June 12.
Speaking to ANI, Patel’s daughter Priti Pandya recalled his final days in India, expressing both heartbreak and fear. “He came here for just nine days—to eat fruits and enjoy his time,” she said tearfully. “He didn’t come back home. I usually spoke to him 3-4 times a week. On Tuesday, he video-called me, but I was working and thought I’d call him later. I never got the chance.”
Remembering his deep bond with India, Pandya said, “He came to India every year. He loved this country. He even had a house here in Gujarat. He died here—it was meant to be.”
Kajal Patel, Ramesh’s daughter-in-law, shared his final conversations. “On Thursday morning, he called to say everything was fine with the baggage. Then he called again from the plane saying he had boarded safely and the flight was on time. I told him, ‘See you in the evening.’ I had asked him not to travel because of the heat, but he insisted.”
The family expressed anguish and skepticism about flying with Air India again. “While coming to Ahmedabad, Air India was one of the options,” said Pandya. “But after this, I don’t think I can ever board an Air India flight in my life.”
On the compensation offered by the TATA Group, the family responded with raw emotion: “They said they’ll give us money—but can they bring our father back?”
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Indian government has set up a high-level multi-disciplinary committee to investigate the causes of the crash and suggest preventive measures for the future.
According to an order from the Civil Aviation Ministry, “The committee will examine existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), flight records, cockpit voice recordings, aircraft maintenance logs, ATC communication, and witness statements. It will also review the emergency response and coordination among various stakeholders.”
Headed by the Union Home Secretary, the committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Indian Air Force, and independent aviation experts. A comprehensive report is expected within three months, outlining policy recommendations and operational reforms to prevent such catastrophic events.
As the investigation unfolds, families like the Patels continue to grapple with irreplaceable loss, reminding the nation of the human cost behind the headlines.
