Heartbreaking Selfie Before Tragedy: Udaipur Doctor Couple, 3 kids killed in Air India plane crash

Udaipur: What was meant to be the beginning of a new life in London turned into an unimaginable tragedy for a young doctor couple from Udaipur. Dr Komi Vyas and Dr Prateek Joshi, along with their three children, were among the 241 passengers who died after Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, crashed in a fiery explosion into the Ahmedabad-based BJ Medical College hostel just moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday.

The couple, formerly associated with Pacific Hospital in Udaipur, had been preparing for a fresh chapter abroad. Dr Vyas had recently quit her job to reunite with her husband, who had been living in London for six years, building a career and planning a future for his family.

According to close family members, Dr Prateek had moved to London some time ago and had returned to Banswara in Rajasthan earlier this week to take the family with him. The family, filled with hope and excitement, boarded the London-bound flight with their twin five-year-old sons, Nakul and Pradyut, and their eight-year-old daughter, Miraya.

Also read- Breaking News: Air India Plane Crashes into Ahmedabad's BJ Medical College Hostel

The tragedy unfolded just 32 seconds after the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM. Eyewitnesses and video footage show the aircraft failing to gain lift before plunging into the BJ Medical College Hostel and bursting into flames. It also killed medical students and injured several others. 

Aviation experts suspect a sudden loss of engine power or lift, as it appeared not to be able to generate enough thrust, though the official cause will be determined after a detailed investigation. 

A selfie taken by Dr Joshi moments before the crash went viral on social media, capturing the family’s excitement as they began a new journey. In the photo, Dr Prateek and his wife are seated on one side, smiling, and their young twin boys and elder daughter are sitting across the aisle. The boys try their hardest to smile for the camera, while their elder sister beams. 

Dr Prateek Joshi’s father is a well-known radiologist in Udaipur, while Dr Komi Vyas’ father served as a senior officer in the Public Works Department. The couple had been married for ten years.

Dr Joshi's cousin, Nayan, told NDTV, "They left for Ahmedabad yesterday to take the flight to London. Prateek had come here just two days ago to take his wife and children with him. Several other members of both families went to see them off."

There were 242 people on board - 230 passengers, 10 crew members and two pilots. Out of the 242 people, only one survivor has been confirmed so far, a 40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British-Indian who was returning to the UK after a family visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on 'X' said, "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected. We are all devastated by the air tragedy in Ahmedabad. The loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words. Condolences to all the bereaved families. We understand their pain and also know that the void left behind will be felt for years to come. Om Shanti."

Meanwhile, the Tata Group-owned Air India has also announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of each person who lost their lives in the crash.