The tragedy that shook the world in less than a minute resulted in over 240 casualties on board the Air India flight. Bound for London, the passengers were families, couples, business professionals and more. Out of the 241 were five travellers, Pratik Joshi, Dr. Komi Vyas and their three young children. With flashing smiles, they shared their selfie with their family after boarding the flight of their dreams – relocating to London after six years of waiting.

In a matter of moments, just after take off, the flight went through a terrible turn of events. Ending in ash and smoke, the plane crashed on the BJMC hostel in Ahmedabad. Inside, were resident doctors and young MBBS students who lost their life and many were left injured. Netizens were calling it the “saddest selfie ever” commenting on the fleeting nature of life.

The picture showed the couple sitting together with their three children across the aisle. Reportedly, a large set of their family and relatives had come to see them off at the Ahmedabad airport. As shared by Hindustan Times, the neighbours reported that Joshi had come to visit his family just two days prior to their flight to London.

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“Goodbyes were said, bags were packed”

Sharing an anecdote about Dr Komi Vyas, who was reportedly a lecturer in Udaipur Medical College, a user shared, “It’s hard to believe that just last week, she warmly bid farewell to all her students. None of them imagined it would be their last goodbye!”

The sentiment of “heart wrenching” and “heartbreak” were shared by all. A traumatic tragedy for many, users on X said, “This will haunt everyone for a long-long time.” The selfie from the ill-fated aircraft shook many hearts and the tragedy resonated a sense of chill.

Calling their selfie “heaven’s smile”, a user shared a rhyming meter about the tragedy, pointing how their memory will “forever be etched across the sky”. Mourning the loss, and praying for the victims’ peace, the netizens shared that the family was on “the cusp of a new beginning, their dreams finally within grasp, only to have it all taken away in a moment.”

Reacting to the AI-171 tragedy, PM Modi took to X and shared, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”