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Key Points

The Air India Flight AI-171 crash has unleashed unprecedented grief across multiple families and communities. A devastating accident near BJ Medical College claimed 241 lives in the air and several innocent bystanders on the ground. Among the heart-wrenching stories is 14-year-old Akash, who was killed instantly when aircraft debris struck a tea stall. The crash has left numerous families, like the Lavanias, mourning the sudden and tragic loss of their loved ones.

Key Points: Air India Crash Tragedy Akash 14 Victims Ground Zero

  • Tragic Air India crash kills 241 passengers near Ahmedabad
  • 14-year-old Akash among ground victims
  • Lavania family loses both parents
  • One passenger miraculously survives
2 min read

Air India plane crash: 14-year-old boy among victims as fire engulfs tea stall near crash site

Heartbreaking stories emerge from Air India crash site as 14-year-old Akash and multiple families mourn devastating loss of life

"He was sitting there near the shop when a part of the plane landed, hitting his head, and then fire engulfed him - Akash's Aunt"

New Delhi, June 13

The tragedy of the Air India Flight AI-171 crash continues to unfold in sorrowful stories emerging from across India. Apart from the 241 people aboard the ill-fated aircraft who perished in the crash, many innocent people on the ground were feared killed as the Boeing plane crashed into a residential building and burst into a ball of flames. Among those killed on the ground was 14-year-old Akash, who became a victim of the crash’s fiery aftermath.

Akash was sitting near a tea stall next to the BJ Medical College, close to the crash site, when part of the aircraft struck the area. His mother, who ran a shop below the hospital, witnessed the horrific scene.

“He was sitting there near the shop when a part of the plane landed, hitting his head, and then fire engulfed him,” said his aunt. “His mother tried to save him, but the flames spread so quickly. She was almost caught in the fire herself.”

Locals say the crash site turned into a scene of chaos and terror as debris and fire scattered through the area, killing not only those on board but also innocent people on the ground like Akash.

Another family devastated by the tragedy is that of Neeraj Lavania and Aparna Lavania, a couple from Akola village near Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Both were on board Flight AI-171 and lost their lives.

The Lavania family's ancestral home in Akola is now engulfed in mourning. Mahendra Kumar Sharma, a cousin, said: “They were the sons of my uncle. The entire area is in deep shock. Everyone is devastated.”

Their nephew, Shubham Lavania, shared the emotional toll the news has taken: “We learnt about the crash through the news. There’s nothing but grief in the family. We’re still hoping somehow it’s not true, that maybe they’re injured and getting treatment. We got the news as soon as the flight crashed.”

The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London-Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, killing 241 of the 242 people on board. One passenger survived.

Rescue and identification operations are still underway at BJ Medical College, where DNA sampling continues to help identify charred remains.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is absolutely heartbreaking 💔 That poor boy just having chai near his mother's shop... and the young couple from UP. The scale of this tragedy is unimaginable. Air India needs to answer tough questions about maintenance and safety protocols.
P
Priya M.
My prayers for all the victims' families. The trauma of those who witnessed this will last lifetimes. The government should immediately compensate all affected families - both passengers and ground victims like Akash. No amount of money can replace lives, but it's the least we can do.
A
Amit S.
Why are residential areas allowed so close to airports? After the 2020 Kozhikode crash and now this, we need stricter zoning laws. My heart goes out to the tea stall boy's family - imagine losing your child like this while he was just sitting outside 😢
S
Sunita R.
The survivor must be going through so much trauma. I hope they get proper counseling. Also, the medical teams doing DNA identification deserve our gratitude - what a difficult job they have. Om Shanti to all departed souls.
V
Vikram J.
While this is tragic, we must also acknowledge the heroic efforts of first responders. Saw videos of locals rushing to help despite the fire risk. That's the real India - helping in crisis without thinking twice. But yes, aviation safety needs urgent reforms.
N
Neha P.
The Lavania family's pain is unimaginable. Losing both husband and wife together... who will look after their children? We need better support systems for such cases. Maybe PM Cares fund can help these families rebuild their lives.

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