A tragic incident occurred at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport when Air India’s flight AI-171 crashed while en route to London. Among the 242 people on board, Payal Khatik from Himmatnagar, Sabarkantha district, lost her life. This devastating news has plunged her family and community into deep sorrow.
Payal was the daughter of Sureshbhai Khatik, who drives an auto-rickshaw to support their family. They come from Rajasthan and have a modest lifestyle, with Payal being one of five family members, including two sisters and a brother.
The crash happened just two minutes after takeoff, and it is reported that the aircraft crashed into a hostel near Meghani Nagar. Tragically, many passengers lost their lives in this incident. The crash has shocked the entire country, and the local administration has reached out to the Khatik family to offer condolences and support.
Officials, including Himmatnagar Mamlatdar Parmar and Naib Mamlatdar Ashokbhai, visited the family to express their sympathies. They assured the Khatik family of all possible assistance during this tragic time. The district administration is also facilitating the transportation of Payal’s body back to Himmatnagar after identification through DNA testing.
This heartbreaking event not only affects Payal’s family but also resonates throughout the community, highlighting the fragility of life. The loss of such a young individual has left a void in the hearts of many.
In a broader context, this plane crash is one of the worst air disasters in recent memory, with former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani also reported among the deceased. The flight was carrying 169 Indian passengers, 53 British, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with many looking for answers about how such a tragedy could occur so quickly after takeoff.
As the community mourns, they are reminded of the importance of supporting one another in times of grief. Families affected by this disaster are in need of compassion and assistance as they navigate this painful chapter in their lives. The Khatik family, like many others, faces an uncertain future, but the solidarity of their community offers some solace amid the sorrow.
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