Air India crash: Brampton mourns Canadian dentist Dr. Nirali Patel as community holds candlelight vigil for AI-171 crash victims
A quiet solemnity hung over Brampton's
Hindu Sabha Mandir
on Friday evening(June 13), where flickering candles and tearful prayers paid tribute to the victims of the devastating
Air India crash
that killed 274 people. The
Air India
flight AI-171 from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad in the western Indian state of Gujarat to Gatwick Airport in London, the capital of England crashed soon after take-off resulting in one of the worst aviation disasters in history.
Story of Dr. Nirali Patel
Among them was
Dr. Nirali Patel
, a 32-year-old Canadian dentist from Etobicoke, who had been returning from a short visit to India. She was the only Canadian on board Air
India
Flight 171, which crashed into a hostel near the BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad just 30 seconds after takeoff on Thursday.
'She was a regular visitor here. We have lost our own family member,' said Maehu Lama, president of the Hindu Sabha Mandir. 'All the Hindu devotees are our family members. That's why it's very shocking for everybody.'
More than 100 devotees gathered to light candles and offer prayers in her memory, as well as for the 240 others on board and dozens killed on the ground, including four medical students.
Live Events
Patel's parents and brother live in Brampton, and the temple has long been a spiritual home for them. Former temple president Ashok Kapoor said the event was a necessary gesture of solidarity. 'We're here to pray that God gives strength to the families who have faced this unimaginable loss.'
Black Box recovered
The crash is the first fatal incident involving a
Boeing 787 Dreamliner
, which has sent shockwaves around the world and raised urgent aviation safety questions. Investigators recovered the black box Friday, found lodged on a nearby rooftop, which could provide critical answers about what caused the jet to fall from the sky and explode in a fireball.
One miraculously survived
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British-Indian national, managed to jump from an emergency exit just before the plane exploded. 'I'm still in disbelief that I'm alive,' he said from his hospital bed, where he is recovering from burns and injuries.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
and Home Affairs Minister
Amit Shah
visited Ramesh on Friday, calling his survival 'nothing short of miraculous.'
Economic Times WhatsApp channel
)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
B'putra's dredging survey begins after 7-year delay
Dibrugarh: After a wait of over seven years, survey work for the long-promised dredging of the Brahmaputra finally begun at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) on Saturday. The survey team is currently focused on a critical 300-metre stretch at Bogibeel, which has become a significant navigational challenge for river traffic, including ferry services, cruise operators and cargo vessels. According to IWAI sources, dredging operations are expected to begin shortly after the completion of this survey. The survey, which was initially announced on Jan 24, 2017, will accurately determine the required dredging depth and the volume of sediment to be removed to restore navigability to acceptable standards, an IWAI official said. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
Varanasi Commissioner, DM laud cultural heritage work at Gyan Pravah
Varanasi: Divisional Commissioner S. Rajalingam and DM Satyendra Kumar visited the Cultural Study and Research Centre, Gyan Pravah at Samne Ghat, on Saturday. The visit focused on reviewing the institution's contributions to preserving India's cultural and artistic heritage. During the museum tour, both officials took keen interest in the rare collections of copper plates and coins. They also viewed ancient manuscripts housed in the library and appreciated the meticulous preservation efforts undertaken by the centre. While touring the campus, the officials visited the Yagyashala, where they were briefed by executive administrator Lalit Kumar and assistant director Neeraj Kumar Pandey about its cultural and ritualistic significance. Commissioner Rajalingam directed that the institution communicate its requirements to the administration so that appropriate support could be extended. The delegation also visited the craft workshop, where coordinator Pramod Giri demonstrated the traditional techniques involved in making Ashtadhatu statues. Both the Commissioner and DM praised the centre's role in sustaining ancient craftsmanship. tnn Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
ONGC prepares ‘Junk Shot' op as Sivasagar gas blowout enters 3rd day
1 2 3 4 Dibrugarh: Preparatory work is underway for a specialised 'Junk Shot' operation to control an uncontrolled gas leak at ONGC's Rig No RDS-147 in Sivasagar district, as the high-pressure emission enters its third consecutive day with no immediate solution in sight. The blowout occurred on June 12 in the Bhatiapar area of Sivasagar district at 11.45am, triggering a high-pressure emission of natural gas. "Efforts were made on the third day to implement a special pumping arrangement, but the gas leak continues. Currently, preparatory work is underway for a special management operation called the 'Junk Shot' operation to plug the high powered gas leak," said Sivasagar district commissioner Ayush Garg on Saturday. The Junk Shot technique involves pumping various materials such as golf balls, shredded tires, or rubber pieces into the well to create a blockage and stop or significantly reduce the gas flow. This emergency well control method, also known as a 'bridging agent' or 'top kill', represents a critical intervention when conventional methods fail to contain a blowout. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
