Air India Plane Crash: “Let Us Take Her Home” — Father of Crew Member Speaks Through Tears

Published: June 16, 2025

Tragic Loss in Ahmedabad: The Human Side of Air India Flight 171

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick Airport, crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport. The catastrophic accident claimed 241 lives out of 242 onboard, leaving only one survivor — a British national.

Among the victims was 21-year-old cabin crew member Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam, whose father has now publicly voiced his pain and frustration over the tragedy and its aftermath.

“We Want to Take Her Home”: A Father’s Plea for Compassion

In an emotional interview with local media, Mr. Kongrailatpam Nandesh Kumar Sharma described the anguish of losing his daughter and the agony of waiting for news in silence.

“I found out about the crash through social media — no one from Air India or the government informed us directly. We just want to take her home. It hurts that the family was left in the dark,” Mr. Sharma said through tears.

The father of three daughters recounted how the lack of communication added to his grief during this difficult time. He appealed to authorities and Air India to provide support for the bereaved families.

The Sole Survivor’s Story: A Glimpse of Hope Amidst Tragedy

The lone survivor, a British passenger, has shared harrowing details of escaping the doomed aircraft. His testimony is currently part of the ongoing investigation to determine the causes of the crash.

According to preliminary reports, technical failure combined with weather conditions may have contributed to the disaster. However, the investigation is still underway.

Support Efforts from Tata Group and Air India

The Tata Group, Air India’s parent company, has pledged financial assistance of ₹1 crore (approx. USD 120,000) to each family affected by the crash, alongside a comprehensive package of medical and psychological aid.

Air India has deployed a team of counselors and support staff to Ahmedabad to assist grieving families and coordinate the retrieval of remains.

What Happened: A Timeline of Air India Flight 171

June 12, 2025, 5:10 PM: Flight 171 departs from Ahmedabad Airport en route to London.
Minutes after takeoff: The aircraft encounters technical difficulties and crashes near the airport perimeter.
Emergency services respond immediately, but 241 passengers and crew perish in the crash.
One passenger survives and is airlifted to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Investigation launched by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and international aviation bodies.

The Impact on Families and Community

The tragedy has rocked the local community, with vigils and memorials held across Ahmedabad and the hometowns of the victims.

Many families are struggling to cope with the sudden loss, expressing frustration over the slow communication from airline officials and government representatives.

What Authorities Are Saying

The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation released a statement expressing condolences and reaffirming commitment to a thorough investigation.

“Our hearts go out to the families affected by this devastating incident. We are working closely with Air India and international partners to determine the cause and ensure justice and closure for the victims.”

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Final Words: Honoring the Memory of the Lost

The Air India Flight 171 crash stands as a solemn reminder of the risks of air travel and the human lives behind every passenger manifest.

The bereaved families, like Mr. Sharma, continue to seek answers and closure, hoping their loved ones can finally rest in peace.

Author’s Note: This article will be updated as new information emerges from the investigation and official statements.