'Genuine & Kind People': UK Neighbour, Colleague Mourn Doctor, Family Killed In Air India Crash
Last Updated:
Dr Pratik Joshi, along with his wife and three children, lost their lives when their flight to London crashed in Ahmedabad, minutes after the takeoff.
Dr Pratik Joshi took a selfie with his family and shared it on social media just minutes before the Air India plane crashed. (Image: X)
The neighbours and friends of a Rajasthan doctor and his family, who tragically died in the Air India crash in Ahmedabad last week, have shared their sorrow over the incident. Dr Pratik Joshi, a radiologist at Royal Derby Hospital, along with his wife and three children, lost their lives when their flight to London crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
Neil Ryan, the 42-year-old neighbour of the family, told the BBC that their deaths were “absolutely devastating" to the community. He described the family as “unassuming, genuine, kind people" and said, “It’s heartbreaking."
Recommended Stories
Ryan mentioned that the family had lived next door to him for a couple of years before Dr Pratik Joshi’s wife, Dr Kaumi Vyas, a pathologist, and their three children – Miraya, Pradyut, and Nakul – moved back to India.
“When they left, he came around with a big bag of goodies – there was a bottle of gin, cakes, tea, all sorts. They were wonderful," he recalled.
“I will never forget him," said Mario Dimitrio Donadio, a radiologist who worked with Dr Joshi.
He recounted how Dr Joshi was eagerly anticipating his family’s return to the UK and looking forward to the next chapter of their lives. At a work dinner a few weeks ago, Dr Joshi shared his excitement about reuniting with his family, saying, “Now my wife and kids will be coming here. Not long before they are here." Donadio noted, “That was the last dinner we had together. I will never forget him."
Before the crash, Dr Joshi took a selfie with his family in which all five of them are seen smiling. The photo was shared on social media just minutes before the flight crashed.
Dr Donadio described Dr Joshi as “always very jolly, a sunny character, always bright and sparkling. The world is at a loss to lose people like him."
Air India’s flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick took off on June12 but crashed minutes later, killing 241 out of the 242 people aboard, including passengers and crew. Only one passenger survived the horrifying disaster.
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More
- First Published:
June 17, 2025, 08:53 IST
Advertising by Adpathway
