Nirali Sureshkumar Patel dies in fatal Ahmedabad plane crash
Nirali Sureshkumar Patel dies in fatal Ahmedabad plane crash
Fatal Ahmedabad plane crash death of Nirali Sureshkumar Patel
A devastating plane accident in Ahmedabad, India, has claimed the life of 33-year-old Nirali Sureshkumar Patel, a dentist from Mississauga, who was the sole Canadian aboard the ill-fated flight.
The Air India Flight 171 was en route to London when it crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of more than 240 people. Patel’s passing was confirmed by her husband, who is now making plans to travel to India with their child.
The aircraft carried a mix of passengers, including 169 Indian citizens, 53 from the UK, and seven Portuguese nationals. The crash occurred in a densely populated neighborhood of Ahmedabad, the most populous city in Gujarat, with over five million residents. Reports suggest that one individual managed to survive the disaster.
According to the website for Dr. Patel’s dental clinic, she was known for her compassion and commitment to her patients, even offering complimentary treatments once a year. She completed her dental education in India before immigrating to Canada. She expressed that her motivation came from the joy of positively impacting lives through her work.
Her husband, overwhelmed by grief, briefly confirmed her death to The Canadian Press, stating, “That was my wife,” and declined further comments as he was not in a position to talk.
On Thursday night, family members came together at the couple’s home near Toronto Pearson Airport to mourn. A relative at the door told reporters the family was too heartbroken to comment publicly.
The tragic news has resonated throughout Canada, particularly among communities in the Greater Toronto Area. Roopnauth Sharma, a Hindu priest in Mississauga, spent the day coordinating with other spiritual leaders to organize memorial services for those grieving.
Sharma said that around 30 Hindu temples would be hosting gatherings on Friday night to support mourners. He acknowledged the profound shock in the community, saying the loss of so many lives had left a heavy emotional toll.
Although only one Canadian has been officially named as a victim, Sharma noted that other passengers may have had close connections to Canada through family or recent residency.
Gaurav Sharma of the Hindu Forum Canada reported that his organization has been fielding numerous calls from people looking for information. With ties to Air India, Sharma has been a contact point for concerned individuals across the country.
He emphasized the emotional impact on the broader community, many of whom have friends and relatives in both India and the UK. He added that they are committed to supporting those affected despite the geographical distance.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed sorrow over the incident and assured the public that Canadian authorities are closely coordinating with global partners. Ontario Premier Doug Ford also shared his condolences with the families affected by the crash.