Indian Plane Crash: Woman Explains How A Traffic Congestion Saved Her Life

The unexpected delay caused her to arrive just 10 minutes after boarding had commenced for Air India flight AI171 – a delay that ultimately saved her life.

“I was furious with our driver when we realized we wouldn’t make it,” Chauhan recounted to BBC Gujarati. “After being turned away at the check-in counter, we left the airport feeling completely dejected.”

Woman Explains How A Traffic Congestion Saved Her Life

While discussing refund options with her travel agent at a nearby tea stall, Chauhan received the devastating news: her original flight had crashed moments after takeoff, killing all 241 passengers and crew members aboard along with several victims on the ground.

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“This wasn’t just luck – this was a miracle,” the shaken student emphasized.

Her digital boarding pass, reviewed by BBC News, showed her assigned to economy seat 36G on the ill-fated aircraft.

Investigation Underway

The Boeing 737 MAX operating as flight AI171 reportedly struggled to gain altitude approximately 30 seconds after departure before plummeting into a residential neighbourhood. Among the victims were 53 British nationals, including several families and a London-based spiritual wellness couple.

Aviation authorities continue investigating the cause of the crash as emergency crews work around the clock to recover victims and analyse wreckage. One passenger, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, miraculously survived the impact and remains hospitalized.

ALSO READ: Four Families And Former India Minister Among The Victims Of The Indian Plane Crash

Woman Saved By Traffic Congestion

Chauhan, who had been visiting western India on holiday, now views her traffic delay as divine intervention.

“In that moment of frustration, I couldn’t imagine this delay would actually save my life,” she reflected. “This experience has completely changed how I view every inconvenience.”