Dr. Nirali Patel was on her journey back to Toronto from a social trip in India when tragedy struck.
Patel was among the 241 passengers who died when an Air India flight bound for London crashed into a college hostel in northwestern India after takeoff on Thursday. It is unclear how many people on the ground were killed in the crash.
“It’s absolutely shocking. There’s no words in this grievance,” community leader Don Patel, who knows the family, told CTV News Toronto on Thursday. He said Nirali was visiting India for four or five days. While sharing the news on his facebook page he said, “Our sincere tribute to ALL on Board, victims and their families . Nirali Patel from Etobicoke North, Only CANADIAN among the Deceased.”
The husband of Patel briefly spoke with The Canadian Press, confirming he was in the process of booking a flight for himself and their one-year-old child to India.
PM Carney expressed his condolences on Platform X. “Devastated to learn of the crash of a London-bound Air India plane in Ahmedabad, carrying 242 passengers — including one Canadian. My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board. Canada’s transportation officials are in close contact with counterparts and I am receiving regular updates as the response to this tragedy unfolds,” he said.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford offered his condolences in a post on X, saying he was saddened to learn about the Canadian who was among those who died.
“On behalf of the people of Ontario, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of every victim. We are keeping you in our thoughts during this difficult time,” Ford’s post reads.
An Air India plane bound for London crashed in a residential area of Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff Thursday, killing 241 people on board, the airline said. One passenger who was thrown from the plane survived.
Air India confirmed in a statement posted on X that 229 passengers and 12 crew members were killed in the crash. The only survivor was a British national of Indian origin. The flight bound for London Gatwick Airport had 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese and one Canadian aboard.
An unknown number of people on the ground were killed in the crash, including medical students in a college hostel when the plane hit the building, said Vidhi Chaudhary, a top state police officer in the northwestern city.
“Most of the bodies have been charred beyond recognition,” she said.
In a social media post, Modi called the crash “heartbreaking beyond words” and said “my thoughts are with everyone affected.”
