A British woman’s frustration over a traffic jam turned to profound gratitude when she realized the delay saved her from boarding a doomed Air India flight that crashed moments after takeoff, killing 241 people.
At a Glance
- Bhoomi Chauhan, 28, missed Air India Flight AI171 by just 10 minutes due to traffic delays
- The Boeing 787 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 passengers and crew
- Chauhan learned about the crash while discussing a refund for her missed flight
- One passenger, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived by escaping through an emergency exit
- The crash also caused casualties on the ground in a residential neighborhood of Ahmedabad
Delayed by Traffic, Saved by Fate
Bhoomi Chauhan, a 28-year-old British woman, was initially frustrated when traffic delays caused her to arrive at Ahmedabad Airport just 10 minutes too late to board her flight to London Gatwick. Despite completing online check-in for Air India Flight AI171, airline staff turned her away at the gate, leaving her angry and dejected about missing her flight home. Little did she know that this inconvenience would ultimately save her life in what she now describes as “totally a miracle.
The Boeing 787 passenger jet crashed just 30 seconds after takeoff in a residential neighborhood of Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of 241 people aboard and causing additional casualties on the ground. The devastating accident has become one of India’s worst aviation disasters in recent history, with investigators still working to determine the cause of the crash.
From Frustration to Shock
Chauhan’s reaction to missing her flight followed a familiar pattern for travelers – initial anger, followed by practical concerns about getting a refund and booking a new flight home. “I was really upset and angry when they wouldn’t let me board,” Chauhan told reporters. “I kept thinking about how much trouble this would cause me and how I’d have to spend more money on a new ticket.
The gravity of her near-miss only became clear later when, while discussing a refund with Air India customer service, Chauhan learned about the tragic fate of the flight she had been scheduled to board. The news left her “totally numb” as she processed how close she had come to being among the victims. The shocking realization transformed her perspective from frustration over a missed flight to profound gratitude for the traffic delay.
A Multinational Tragedy
The crash claimed the lives of passengers from multiple countries, revealing the international nature of this tragedy. Among the 241 victims were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. The impact extended beyond the aircraft itself, causing destruction and casualties in the residential area where the plane came down shortly after takeoff
In a remarkable development, one passenger managed to survive the catastrophic crash. British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh escaped through an emergency exit in the aftermath of the crash. His survival stands as an extraordinary exception in what was otherwise a complete tragedy. Footage of Ramesh walking away from the crash site has circulated widely, highlighting the miraculous nature of his escape.
Investigation Underway
Indian aviation authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the crash. While initial reports have not identified a definitive cause, investigators are examining flight data recorders, weather conditions at the time of takeoff, maintenance records, and other potential factors that could have contributed to the disaster. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, has also dispatched a team to assist with the investigation.
For Chauhan, the experience has been profoundly life-changing. “I keep thinking about all those people who were on the flight and their families,” she said. “At the same time, I can’t help feeling that something or someone was watching over me that day.” Her story has resonated with many as a reminder of how quickly life can change and how thin the line between tragedy and fortune can sometimes be.
