A radiologist and his loved ones were among the over 240 victims who lost their lives in the tragic crash on Thursday, June 12.
Among the over 240 lives lost in the devastating crash of Air India Flight AI171 was a beloved family of five, including two doctors and their young children. The tragic accident occurred just minutes after takeoff on Thursday, June 12, during the plane’s journey from Ahmedabad, India, to London.
A heart-wrenching photo taken moments before the crash has surfaced, showing radiologist Dr. Prateek Joshi and his wife, smiling with their three children — daughter Miraya and twin sons Pradyut and Nakul — as they posed for a selfie aboard the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
Dr. Joshi, formerly of Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Hospital Burton, was mourned in statements by his employer and by the Derby Hindu Temple in the U.K., which confirmed the loss of the entire family.
A former neighbor, Neil Ryan, described them as incredibly kind, humble people who left a lasting impression. “They were just the loveliest family,” he told the BBC. “When they moved away, Prateek even brought over a bag of gifts. They were truly wonderful.”
The crash occurred in a residential neighborhood just five minutes after takeoff at 1:38 p.m. local time. Among the 241 onboard were nationals from India, the U.K., Portugal, and Canada. Authorities are continuing their investigation, with Air India pledging full cooperation.
In a statement issued the next day, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton paid tribute to Joshi, calling him a skilled and compassionate colleague. Chief executive Stephen Posey praised Joshi’s contributions to the NHS, saying, “He was not just an outstanding doctor, but a genuinely kind and warm person who will be deeply missed.”
Colleague Dr. Rajeev Singh echoed the sentiment, remembering Joshi as someone who radiated joy and professionalism. “He touched countless lives — both in his medical practice and personal connections. His sudden loss has created an unfillable void,” Singh shared, adding that Joshi had moved back to India in 2021 but often spoke fondly of his life in the U.K.
According to The Mirror, Dr. Vyas had recently resigned from her hospital position at Pacific Hospital with plans to reunite with Joshi in London — a dream cruelly cut short by the tragedy.
