Eric Patrick
Moments before disaster struck, a family of five captured a heartbreaking final selfie aboard Air India Flight 171, a flight that would end in tragedy.
Dr. Komi Vyas and her husband, Dr. Prateek Joshi, both respected medical professionals, were pictured smiling together while their three children sat just across the aisle.
The family was en route to the UK, where Dr. Joshi had been working as a radiologist at Royal Derby Hospital after relocating to Derby in recent years.
His wife and children were finally joining him to begin a new chapter together.
Tragically, the flight never made it to its destination. The plane crashed in a residential area of Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of nearly all on board.
Among the 242 passengers, only one British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated next to an emergency exit is known to have survived.
The loss of Dr. Joshi and his family has deeply affected the Derby community.
The Derby Hindu Temple in Pear Tree paid tribute to the family, stating, “It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that Dr. Prateek Joshi and his family were on board the Air India flight that tragically crashed en route from Ahmedabad to London.
“Dr. Joshi, a devoted radiologist and member of Mandir, served with sincerity and dedication.
“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.”
READ ALSO: Only Survivor Found After Air India Plane Carrying 242 Crashes
Dr. Vyas had recently resigned from her position at Pacific Hospital to join her husband in the UK.
Her father, a well-known radiologist in Ahmedabad, and her family were among those who had come to see them off.
“Prateek had come just two days before to take his wife and children with him,” his cousin wrote on social media handle, “Several members of both families had gathered to say goodbye.”
The couple had been married for 10 years. Their journey to begin a new life in the UK was cut tragically short when Flight 171, bound for London Gatwick, went down in flames on Thursday.
Of the passengers, 53 were reported to be British nationals, and 11 were children.
Officials have recovered over 200 bodies, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters involving British citizens and the first involving a Boeing 787 of this model.
There are additional fears that the death toll may rise, including casualties on the ground.
The crash left wreckage embedded in nearby buildings, including BJ Medical College, where at least five students were killed and dozens injured.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the crash, as haunting images show the aircraft flying low over buildings moments before the fatal impact.