In Gujarat, a doctor is grateful to his wife for urging him to cancel a flight on June 12. If he had not listened to her, he would have been on the Air India flight that tragically crashed shortly after takeoff. The flight, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed near a doctors’ hostel, killing 241 people on board and over 10 on the ground.
Dr. Umang Patel had returned to Gujarat from the UK on May 24 with his wife, children, and grandparents. They were planning to return to Northampton, UK, on June 12. However, on June 9, after visiting his in-laws, Dr. Patel fell ill with a high fever. He was so unwell that he could not get out of bed the next morning.
His wife suggested that he cancel his flight and take a few days to recover. Dr. Patel heeded her advice and canceled his Air India ticket from Ahmedabad to London. He later booked a new flight for June 15.
After he canceled the ticket, news of the plane crash reached him. He felt a shiver run through his body. Dr. Patel said, “Honestly, I believe God saved me. I also pray for peace for all the souls on that flight.”
When villagers learned of his close call, many came to support the family, offering emotional strength to help them recover from the shock. Dr. Patel has lived in Northampton for the past five years. After returning to India, he had to cancel another flight back to London due to his father’s stroke.
On June 9, he had taken his ill father to his in-laws’ home. Dr. Umang Bhai Patel, his father, also advised against sending his son on the flight. The family had flown from London to Ahmedabad on May 24 without any issues, except for a few broken multimedia player buttons and non-working air conditioning vents.
This incident highlights the importance of listening to loved ones and the unexpected ways life can change. Dr. Patel is thankful that he took his wife’s advice, which ultimately saved his life. This story serves as a reminder to cherish family and heed their words of caution, especially during difficult times.