Bhoomi Chauhan, a 28-year-old student from Bristol, recently experienced a life-altering scenario. She had planned to board an Air India flight, AI-171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. But fate intervened in the most unexpected way; she missed her flight by a mere ten minutes, and it saved her life.
On the day of departure, heavy traffic slowed Bhoomi’s journey to Ahmedabad International Airport. Despite online check‑in, the delay at the check‑in gate was too long; the airline staff refused to board her. In that moment, she was understandably upset and disappointed; yet this seemingly frustrating turn of events became a life‑saving blessing.
Just moments after Bhoomi Chauhan stepped away from the boarding gate and was discussing refund arrangements with a travel agent, devastating news broke. Flight AI‑171 crashed shortly after taking off, killing all 241 passengers, 12 crew members, and at least 8 people on the ground. Her narrow escape, just ten minutes, suddenly transformed her disappointment into a profound relief.
Emergency responders immediately rushed to the scene, searching through the wreckage for answers. It was confirmed that only one passenger, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, survived the crash. Authorities continue investigating to determine the cause of the crash, which occurred roughly 30 seconds after takeoff.
Speaking with BBC Gujarati, Bhoomi Chauhan said she now realizes the “anger and disappointment” she felt in that moment are insignificant when compared with the devastating loss of life. Her words echo a deeper truth: sometimes what appears to be bad luck can become a blessing in disguise.
Her family, overwhelmed by fear and relief, shared their visceral reactions. Her father recalled the tense moments outside the airport; they pleaded with staff to let her board but were denied. Only after leaving the terminal did they hear that a crash had occurred.
Her mother, still emotionally shaken, credited divine intervention for her daughter’s survival; she believes it was the blessing of the Mother Goddess, coupled with leaving Bhoomi’s child in her care, that kept Bhoomi Chauhan from boarding. This spiritual belief offers comfort amid overwhelming grief and loss.
The flight was a Boeing 787‑8 carrying 242 passengers: 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, including Bhoomi Chauhan, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. The aircraft took off from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM local time. Shortly afterward, it issued a Mayday call; then contact was lost and the flight crashed beyond the airport perimeter.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site the following morning. He was joined by Gujarat’s Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, and other officials, reflecting the nation’s deep shock. Their presence highlighted the severity of the tragedy and the urgent need for answers.
As the investigation continues, authorities are examining flight data, crew communications, and technical systems to determine what went wrong so quickly after takeoff. With debris scattered and evidence still being analyzed, aviation experts are racing to piece together a timeline and root cause, an effort that will take both time and precision.
During this tragedy, Bhoomi’s story stands out as both somber and inspiring. She’s one of the victims, but not in the way the world first expected. Instead, she became a witness to tragedy from the edge, spared by the slimmest margin. Her escape feels surreal, yet it is very real. Now, Bhoomi is focused on healing, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. She’s taken time to connect with loved ones and acknowledge the weight of what she almost endured. While survivor’s guilt can be heavy, so too can a profound sense of purpose. For many like Bhoomi Chauhan, such an experience becomes a catalyst for reflection and transformation.
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