A mother from the UK is still grappling with the loss of her husband and mother-in-law in the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash nearly a year ago. Bhavika Patel, a 38-year-old mother of two, expressed her anguish and quest for justice following the devastating incident that claimed the lives of 53 Britons among the 242 passengers on board the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The fatal crash occurred just 32 seconds after takeoff on June 21, 2025.
Bhavika, who co-owned a shop in London with her late husband Ketankumar Patel, shared her struggles as a widow left to manage the business and raise her children alone. She recounted the pain of losing her husband, who had worked tirelessly to support their family. Despite receiving £21,000 in compensation, Bhavika highlighted financial challenges, including expenses for her children’s education and the need for support.
The grieving mother also lamented the lack of assistance from Air India in retrieving her loved ones’ belongings, citing difficulties in identifying their personal items listed on a website. She revealed the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on her health and family dynamics, especially on her young children who are undergoing counseling due to the crash’s aftermath.
Expressing concerns over the ongoing investigation by the Indian Air Accidents Investigation Branch, Bhavika emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in determining the cause of the crash. She criticized the airline’s response and called for stricter measures, including a potential ban on Air India flights. As the anniversary approaches, she plans to travel to India for religious rituals with her children but remains haunted by the memories of her husband and mother-in-law.
Other families of British victims also shared their heart-wrenching experiences and frustrations with the investigation process. Sagar Patel, who lost his mother in the tragedy, questioned the credibility of the reports and urged for more involvement from authorities. Similarly, Shoeb Iproliya, a widower who lost his wife, called for transparency and truth surrounding the incident, emphasizing the need for support from the UK government.
The families of the victims continue to seek closure and justice while grappling with the profound impact of the Air India crash. Their pleas for thorough investigations, accountability, and support underscore the ongoing challenges faced by those affected by the tragic event.
