Air India crash victim's tragic final words on call from doomed flight to UK
Ramesh Patel was one of 53 Brits on the Gatwick Airport-bound Air India flight when the aircraft crashed just moments after take-off in Ahmedabad.
The family of a British national who died on the Air India flight that claimed 270 lives has revealed the tragic last message he sent moments before the fatal crash.
One of the 53 Brits on the Gatwick Airport-bound flight when the aircraft crashed just moments after take-off in Ahmedabad was Ramesh Patel.
Mr Patel travelled to India every year to eat his favourite citrus fruit and had a strong connection to his roots, according to his devastated family.
On the day of the crash, he called his daughter-in-law Kajal Patel to inform her he had arrived at the airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday, and had a window seat for his flight back to Gatwick Airport, reports the Mirror.
He first called her to tell her the "weight of the luggage is okay." She later messaged him to "make sure everything is okay' and to wish him a "safe journey".
Mr Patel told her he wouldn't ring her again and she said: "That's fine, you just relax, don't worry about, I will update everyone at home that you are safe in the plane".
Tragically, he rang his family one last time to say: "I am on the plane safely" and "that it's on time". Kajal said she responded by saying "safe journey and we will see you in the evening".
Kajal told local media she had prepared his favourite meal, a Gujarati dish containing lentils and eggplant, and that he was also "looking forward to eating fish and chips as well".
The heartbreaking accident killed 241 people on board and at least 29 on the ground. One passenger remarkably survived.
Authorities have started handing over remains of the victims of one of India's worst aviation disasters after identifying some through DNA tests, days after the Air India flight crashed.
The London-bound Boeing 787 struck a medical college hostel in a residential area of the northwestern city of Ahmedabad minutes after take-off Thursday, killing 241 people on board and at least 29 on the ground. One passenger survived.
Hundreds of relatives of the crash victims provided DNA samples at the hospital. Most of the bodies were charred or mutilated, making them unrecognisable.
Rajneesh Patel, an official at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, said authorities have so far identified 32 victims through DNA mapping and their families were informed. He said the remains of 14 victims were handed over to relatives.
The victims' families waited outside the hospital mortuary as authorities worked to complete formalities and transfer the bodies in coffins into ambulances. Most of them have expressed frustration at a slow pace of the identification process. Authorities say it normally takes up to 72 hours to complete DNA matching and they are expediting the process.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
25 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Air India pilot 'told dad three days before crash he wanted to retire'
Air India pilot Sumeet Sabharwal, 56, told his elderly father he wanted to retire to care for him full-time just three days before the crash that claimed his life A 'hero' pilot who died in the Air India plane crash had told his dad just three days before the tragedy that he wanted to retire soon, it has emerged. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal has been hailed as a 'hero' for his quick-thinking actions during the Boeing Dreamliner's catastrophic descent moments after take-off on Thursday, with his split-second decision in the final seconds of his life likely having saved dozens of lives. As it became apparent that his aircraft was in an irreversible collision course towards the ground, the 56-year-old swerved his plane onto a patch of grassland to avoid direct hit on the doctors' hostel. Instead, part of the plane smashed into the side of the building, but a more serious catastrophe was avoided. Now, new details about the pilot's family life have emerged as loved ones spoke of his kindhearted nature. At home, Mr Sabharwal was a carer for his dad, Pushkaraj, who is in his 80s and had worked India's Ministry of Civil Aviation before his retirement. One pal revealed that, just three days before the disaster the claimed his life and that of over 240 passengers, he had promised his father he would retire from flying, so he could come home and look after him full time. Family friend Lande told India Today: "Sumit had spoken to him just three days ago, saying he wanted to leave flying and come home to care for him. "His father couldn't say a word. His eyes were filled with tears." On the day of the crash, Mr Sabharwal called his dad a few minutes before take-off and told him: "I'll call you once I reach London." Indian authorities have started handing over remains after hundreds of relatives of the crash victims provided DNA samples at the hospital. Most of the bodies were charred or mutilated, making them unrecognisable. Rajneesh Patel, an official at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, said authorities have so far identified 32 victims through DNA mapping and their families were informed. He said the remains of 14 victims were handed over to relatives. Air India flight makes sudden U-turn after suffering 'mid-air technical issue' This morning, an Air India flight returned to Hong Kong shortly after take-off because of a mid-air technical issue. The plane was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the same model as the London-bound flight that crashed and killed 241 people on board and at least 29 on the ground last week. Air India said in a statement that the New Delhi-bound plane landed in Hong Kong safely and was undergoing checks "as a matter of abundant precaution".Airport Authority Hong Kong said in a separate statement that flight AI315 returned to the southern Chinese city's airport around airline said alternative arrangements have been made to fly the affected passengers to their destination at the earliest convenience.
South Wales Argus
29 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Toughest jobs in the UK include firefighters and paramedics
A poll of 2,000 adults found surgeons (44 per cent), police officers (34 per cent), and care workers (22 per cent) are also seen as roles only the iron-willed could take on. Others said teachers (20 per cent) and social workers (18 per cent) do some of the most mentally taxing work out there day-in-day-out. Six in 10 (62 per cent) want to see more recognition in the UK for those performing tough jobs – with 64 per cent believing they are vital to keeping the country running. (Image: Dave Phillips/PinPep) Others want them to get more credit because they involve working long hours with little rest (46 per cent) and facing hazardous conditions daily (62 per cent). And in many cases, it involves working with dangerous people (55 per cent). The study was commissioned by Samsung to launch their latest Rugged device range, which is designed to withstand the demands of challenging work environments. The tech brand teamed up with TV farmer Amanda Owens to give an insight into the realities of working life on a farm – from mucking out and herding animals to operating machinery and navigating unpredictable weather. She said: 'Farming isn't for the faint hearted – we're up before dawn, battling the elements, and it takes real resilience out here. 'In this environment, our tech needs to be just as tough – anything that can't handle water or a drop is a liability. 'We need something rugged on the outside, smart on the inside, that can keep up with the job.' Almost half (46 per cent) of Brits admitted they don't feel like they have the resilience to take on a physically demanding role, a figure that dropped to 40 per cent among men. In contrast, 52 per cent of women believe they have what it takes to handle roles that might require higher levels of emotional and mental capacity. When it comes to younger generations, 61 per cent of those aged 18–24 have considered taking up physically tough roles when exploring career options. This compares with just 11 per cent of Boomers, who prefer to steer clear of jobs they'd deem tough. Nearly four in 10 (38 per cent) agree there's a misconception that physically demanding jobs don't require robust technology. In fact, nine in 10 think devices capable of withstanding harsh conditions are essential to making these roles more manageable. Many cited reducing physical strain through equipment (54 per cent), alerting workers to risks more quickly (53 per cent), and automating repetitive tasks (45 per cent) as effective ways to ease pressure. Annika Bizon from Samsung UK & Ireland, makers of the Galaxy XCover7 Pro and Tab Active5 Pro Enterprise Edition, designed to take on tough environments, added: 'Tough roles demand robust support. "Whether it's maintaining connectivity in the field or ensuring mission-critical tasks aren't interrupted, having the right tech in place is essential. "The Rugged range has been engineered specifically for these environments — combining military-grade durability with the business tools workforces require.' TOP 20 TOUGHEST EVERYDAY JOBS ACCORDING TO BRITS:
Edinburgh Live
an hour ago
- Edinburgh Live
King Charles and Prince William send 'clear message' to Harry in key move
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A royal commentator has suggested that King Charles delivered a pointed message to Prince Harry with a significant gesture. The entire working Royal Family gathered alongside the King on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the climax of this year's Trooping the Colour, which is the monarch's official birthday parade. The event saw the royals present a united front as they greeted the public and marvelled at the impressive RAF flypast. This display of unity comes shortly after Prince Harry, who was absent from the gathering, made claims in an explosive interview that his father, currently receiving cancer treatment, had ceased communication with him and expressed uncertainty about how much time his father had left. During the balcony scene, the King positioned himself centrally among his kin, with his firstborn and successor, Prince William, stationed right beside him. In the previous year, the Princess of Wales was adjacent to the King, marking her first public outing post-cancer diagnosis. However, this year's rearrangement, with William by the King's side, is seen by body language expert Judi James as a direct signal to Harry, who is now based in California. Speaking to the Express, she remarked: "Charles tends to pick out the most important people in his life at that time to pay attention to during a balcony appearance. "Kate has often been the object of his attention, but to chat to William suggested a new era of warmth and compatibility between the two men," reports the Mirror. "William's pose resembled the pose he would adopt when talking to his grandmother too. With his hands clasped in front of his torso, he signalled a sense of respect to his father and to the crown. As a message to Harry, Charles, and William would have signalled unity and a united purpose." Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond also picked up on the nuanced change on the balcony, telling the Mirror: "I think the fact that William stood next to his father on the balcony was a signal that things are returning to normal. "Last year was an exception, with the Princess of Wales taking on her first public duty since her cancer diagnosis, and I think the King was showing his special support for her by asking her to stand alongside him. But today it was the correct order and, in a way, that was quite reassuring." At this year's event, there was another notable alteration as Kate took her place beside the King and Queen on the dais during the military parade at Horse Guards Parade, reflecting her role as Colonel of the Irish Guards. This marked a significant moment for Kate, who last year was unable to assume this position due to undergoing treatment for cancer, instead joining her children to observe the ceremony. Jennie commented further: "I also thought it was highly significant to see Catherine on the dais alongside the King and Queen. She was there not only as a very senior member of the Royal Family but as Colonel in Chief of the Irish Guards as they marched by. "It was a very powerful image of our next Queen alongside her father-in-law who has made no secret of the respect he has for Catherine, especially after the cancer journey they have shared. It certainly gave you the feeling that royal life is pretty much back on track after the scary past 18 months."
