A young woman narrowly missed a tragic flight that resulted in numerous fatalities on Thursday.
Bhoomi Chauhan found herself stuck in traffic while heading to Ahmedabad airport, causing a delay in her journey to London Gatwick, as reported on Friday.
The business student from Bristol, who was visiting India with her husband, was supposed to board AI171. Unfortunately, she arrived late and later learned that the plane had crashed, claiming the lives of 241 people aboard and many more on the ground.
Reflecting on her close call, she said, “This is totally a miracle for me.”
Footage revealed, according to NBC News, that after taking off, the aircraft quickly lost altitude from 600 feet. Local officials reported that it struck a college hostel, injuring many and resulting in at least five deaths on the ground.
There was one survivor from the crash who was ejected from the plane and later found an ambulance, the Associated Press reported on Thursday.
The article noted:
Doctors at Ahmedabad’s Civic Hospital identified him as Vishwashkumar Ramesh. India’s Home Minister, Amit Shah, visited the survivor, who reportedly has British Indian roots.
“He was disoriented and had multiple injuries,” said Dr. Dabal Gameti, who treated Ramesh. “But it appears he is out of danger.”
Ramesh mentioned to another medical professional that shortly after takeoff, the plane began to descend, split in two, and then exploded.
Further video evidence will display the scene immediately following the crash, including Ramesh surrounded by fellow bystanders.
Meanwhile, Chauhan expressed that she was merely ten minutes late to board, yet airline personnel prevented her from getting on.
“Emergency services worked throughout Thursday night into Friday to clear the wreckage and investigate the incident,” stated the BBC report.
In response to the tragedy, President Donald Trump remarked on Twitter that it looked “bad” and informed officials that the U.S. would offer support if needed.
According to reports, both the UK and U.S. have sent air crash investigation experts to assist with understanding what happened with flight AI171. The UK’s Air Accident Investigation Division (AAIB) stated their team is recognized for assisting Indian safety investigations, particularly since there were British citizens on board the ill-fated flight.
