Bhoomi Chauhan, a business administration student living in Bristol, narrowly missed her Air India flight to London, learning afterwards it had crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming 241 lives.
Student's BBC Experience: 'Traffic Saved My Life' After Missing Flight 10 Minutes Before Takeoff
Student's BBC Experience: 'Traffic Saved My Life' After Missing Flight 10 Minutes Before Takeoff
A 28-year-old student's missed flight from Ahmedabad to London ends in a miraculous escape after a tragic air disaster.
Bhoomi Chauhan finds herself recounting a vivid tale of anger and frustration after missing her Air India flight to London due to heavy traffic en route to Ahmedabad airport. Arriving just 10 minutes late, the 28-year-old student’s fate took a dramatic turn when she was turned away by airline staff, preventing her from boarding the ill-fated flight AI171, which tragically crashed shortly after leaving the ground, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives.
Chauhan, who was visiting family in India from her home in Bristol, described her journey to the airport from Ankleshwar, located a significant distance away. Traffic delays meant she reached the airport at 12:20 PM, just after boarding was scheduled to begin, leaving her distraught as she pleaded with airline personnel for a chance to board.
"I requested them to allow me inside as I was only 10 minutes late," she expressed, recalling her disappointment. Unfortunately, despite having her digital boarding pass in hand, her pleas were ignored, leading to an exasperated exit from the airport and a moment to breathe at a nearby tea stall—just moments before receiving the shocking news of the crash.
With emotional gravity, Chauhan reflected, "This is totally a miracle for me," as news broke of AI171's troubles shortly after takeoff, where it encountered severe issues, resulting in the tragic deaths of 241 individuals onboard, including 12 crew members. Among the victims, citizens from India, Portugal, and Canada were among the lost.
As rescuers and officials worked tirelessly to recover bodies and identify victims, Chauhan’s story stands as a stark reminder of how quickly fate can change. The aftermath of this disaster prompts further investigation into what caused the flight to plunge just moments after departure, leaving entire families devastated.
As the world waits for answers, Chauhan’s near miss serves as a poignant testament to the fragility of life and the unpredictability of events beyond our control, making her inquiry for a refund almost trivial in the wake of such an immense tragedy.
