Entire Family Killed In Air India Crash While Relocating To London To Start New Life

A family of five was tragically killed when Air India flight AI-171 crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on Thursday. The family, who were relocating to London to start a new life, included Dr Pratik Joshi, his wife Dr Komi Vyas, and their three young children—eight-year-old Miraya and five-year-old twin boys, Nakul and Pradyut.

‘Smiling in their last moments’

Just hours before the crash, the family shared a smiling selfie from inside the plane. The photo, later circulated on social media, showed Dr Joshi and Dr Vyas beaming, while their children looked on from the row behind.

According to Livemint,

“Kaumi Vyas, who worked at a private hospital, shared a picture on social media of the family as they sat on the plane – the couple smiling and the three children in the frame behind sitting in another row, facing the camera.”

Minutes after the photo was taken, the London-bound Boeing 787-8 crashed into a medical college complex, erupting into flames. Of the 242 people on board, 241 were killed. The crash is being described as one of India’s deadliest air disasters.

• Also Read: What a Miracle! British Passenger Only Survivor in Deadly Air India Plane Crash That Killed Over 240 People

‘They were a warm, aspirational couple’

Dr Pratik Joshi had been living in London for six years, working as a radiologist at Royal Derby Hospital. He had been preparing for years to reunite with his family permanently.

His wife, Dr Komi Vyas, resigned from her job at Pacific Hospital in Udaipur just two days before the journey. Their final destination was London Gatwick.

A family friend told News18:

“The whole town is in shock. They were a warm, aspirational couple who wanted the best for their kids.”

Global response and investigations

The crash has drawn international attention. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is sending a team to assist in the investigation.

Air India, now owned by the Tata Group, has set up helplines for family members and announced a compensation of ₹1 crore (approx. R224,000) for the families of each deceased passenger.

A spokesperson for Derby Hindu Temple, where the family worshipped, released a statement:

“We pray to Lord Shiva to grant eternal peace to the departed souls and to give strength to the bereaved family to bear this immense loss.”

The temple described Dr Joshi and his family as “devotees of our Mandir” who supported the community with “sincere service and dedication.”

As tributes continue to pour in from across India and the UK, the loss of the Joshi family stands as a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be.