AHMEDABAD/LONDON: — Grief has gripped the communities of Derby and Rajasthan as friends and neighbours remember Dr. Pratik Joshi, a radiologist at the Royal Derby Hospital, and his family, after all five were tragically killed in the Air India Flight AI171 crash last week. The family, en route to reunite in the UK, died shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
The devastating crash claimed 241 lives, including passengers and crew, with only one survivor.
💔 ‘Absolutely Devastating’: Neighbours Remember the Joshi Family
Speaking to the BBC, Neil Ryan, the family’s 42-year-old neighbour in Derby, said their loss is a “heartbreaking blow” to the community.
“The family were really unassuming, genuine kind people, honestly. It’s heartbreaking,” he said, recalling the warmth and kindness the family brought to their neighbourhood.
Ryan reminisced about their farewell when Dr. Joshi’s wife, Dr. Kaumi Vyas, a pathologist, returned to India with their three children—Miraya, Pradyut, and Nakul.
“When they left, he came round with a big bag of goodies – there was a bottle of gin, cakes, tea, all sorts. They were wonderful.”
🕊️ A Bright Spirit Lost: Colleagues Pay Tribute
Dr. Mario Dimitrio Donadio, a fellow radiologist and close colleague, described Dr. Joshi as a “sunny character” and a “bright, sparkling presence” at work.
“He was always very jolly… The world is at a loss to lose people like him.”
Dr. Donadio shared how, during a recent work dinner, Joshi had spoken with excitement about his family’s upcoming arrival in the UK.
“He said, ‘Now my wife and kids will be coming here. Not long before they are here.’ That was the last dinner we had together. I will never forget him.”
📸 A Final Family Memory
Moments before the crash, Dr. Joshi shared a selfie with his wife and children, all smiling aboard the plane. The image has since circulated widely online, a poignant reminder of the family’s final joyful moments together.
✈️ Air India AI171: A Tragic Flight
The Air India flight AI171, travelling from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, took off on Thursday afternoon. Minutes later, the aircraft crashed, killing 241 of 242 people onboard. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, as aviation authorities continue to assess the black box data and cockpit recordings.