A Tragic Event in Ahmedabad: The Air India Dreamliner Crash

The Setting: A Young Enthusiast’s Perspective

In Ahmedabad, a vibrant city known for its blend of modernity and tradition, a tragic aviation disaster unfolded that would leave an indelible mark on its residents. The incident began with a seemingly ordinary day for 17-year-old Aryan Asari, a high school student with a passion for spotting aircraft. His love for aviation and the roar of engines above had him frequently rushing outside to catch a glimpse of planes soaring through the skies. However, on that fateful Thursday last week, the very sight of an airplane would forever alter his life.

The Fateful Moment

While perched on the terrace of his father Maganbhai Asari’s home, Aryan was recording what he thought would be another routine moment in his aviation hobby. But as an Air India Dreamliner 787-8 took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, the aircraft faltered dramatically. Aryan, unaware of the impending disaster, captured the horrifying moment when the plane crashed just seconds after takeoff, bursting into flames. This incident would later be described as one of the worst aviation disasters in Indian history, claiming the lives of 241 people on board and nearly 30 on the ground.

A Life-Changing Video

Aryan’s video, which provided crucial evidence for investigators, showcased the horrifying events as he watched the plane wobble and spiral downward. "I saw it go down and crash right before my eyes," he recounted during an interview with BBC Gujarati.

The aftermath of the crash saw an influx of media attention, with reporters clamoring to speak to Aryan and his family. "We have been swamped by interview requests," his father expressed, adding that the impact of the event had a "devastating effect" on Aryan, who became traumatized by what he witnessed.

The Background: A Familial Journey

Aryan’s visit to Ahmedabad was a significant milestone; it was his first time leaving the family’s ancestral village near the Rajasthan border. His father, a retired army man working with the city’s metro service, had moved to a small room on the terrace of a three-story building, excited about the prospects of seeing planes up close. Aryan had arrived in the city with his older sister, who was preparing for entrance exams to become a police officer.

"Whenever I’d call, Aryan would ask if I could spot airplanes from our terrace," Mr. Asari recalled, sharing his son’s enthusiasm for flying. The prior week was supposed to be filled with excitement, but it quickly transformed into a tragedy.

The Horrific Experience

As Aryan shot videos on the terrace, he initially found joy in capturing the aircraft. However, when he noticed the plane’s erratic movements, unease replaced excitement. The moment the thick smoke and fire enveloped the area, the reality of the crash settled in, leading him to send the video to his father while frantically calling him for reassurance. "I saw it crash, papa," Aryan cried, revealing how shaken he was.

Despite Mr. Asari’s attempts to comfort his son, Aryan’s distress was palpable. These moments later spiraled into a media frenzy, turning the family’s quiet life into chaos with reporters frequenting their home. Concerned about Aryan’s emotional state, his father decided to send him back to the village to recover from the traumatic experience.

Coping with the Aftermath

Back in the village, Aryan returned to school, but lingering effects of the trauma remained. His mother mentioned that every time his phone rings, he goes into a state of panic. Mr. Asari, while hopeful that time will heal his son’s wounds, acknowledged the permanence of the psychological scars left behind.

"I know he will be fine with time," he said, though he lamented the loss of Aryan’s previous enthusiasm for airplanes and the joyous hobby that once brought him excitement. "But I don’t think my son will try looking for airplanes in the sky again."

This incident unfolds as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the lasting repercussions of trauma, seen through the eyes of a young boy whose love for aviation transformed into a haunting memory in an instant.