28-07-2025
Air India Crash: Despite Severe Burns, Mother Donates Her Skin To Heal Baby
Amid the devastation of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, a mother suffered severe burns but saved her baby, first from fire, then by donating her skin to help him heal
The Air India crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad, which claimed more than 260 lives, left the nation in shock. Yet, amid the devastation, one story emerged that continues to resonate — a miraculous survival, and a profound testament to a mother's unbreakable love.
When Air India Flight 171 crashed into a residential building near BJ Medical College in Meghnanagar, fire, smoke, and screams engulfed the area. But in the heart of the wreckage, a mother shielded her son with her own body, rescuing him from the jaws of death.
A Mother's Courage Amidst Flames
Manisha Kachhadiya, a 30-year-old mother, and her eight-month-old son, Dhyansh, lived in the very building struck by the plane. The smoke was so thick that visibility was nearly zero, yet Manisha clutched her son tightly and managed to escape the inferno. Both suffered severe burns but miraculously survived. 'I thought we wouldn't make it through," Manisha confided.
Fight For Life At KD Hospital
According to a Times of India report, Manisha and Dhyansh, the wife and son of Dr Kapil Kachhadiya, a urology resident at Civil Hospital, were swiftly moved to KD Hospital for specialised treatment. Dhyansh was immediately admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), where he required ventilator support, fluid resuscitation, blood transfusions, and expert burn care.
Dr Adit Desai, managing director of KD Hospital, said the case deeply moved everyone involved. 'The mother's instinctive courage to save her child was truly inspiring. From a medical standpoint, every department came together to ensure the best possible outcome".
The treatment involved a team of specialists, including Dr Snehal Patel (neonatologist and paediatrician), Dr Tushar Patel (pulmonologist and critical care specialist), and Dr Mansi Dandnaik (critical care and transplant intensivist).
Healing Beyond The Surface
Dr Ritwij Parikh, the plastic surgeon at KD Hospital, explained, 'Dhyansh was so young that only a small amount of skin could be taken from his own body. We grafted skin from Manisha onto him. The risk of infection was high, but it was vital to ensure his growth wasn't compromised."
Dr Parikh also noted, 'Dr Kapil's involvement as a father helped enormously. As a medical professional himself, he often made sure the dressings were done properly, even in the middle of the night."
Manisha saved her son's life twice — first by protecting him from the flames, and then by giving him new skin to heal his burns.
Wounds On The Body, Peace In The Eyes
KD Hospital treated six victims of the crash free of charge, including Manisha and Dhyansh. The dedication of the medical staff, combined with a mother's boundless love, made this miracle possible. Though Manisha's body still bears scars, there is calmness in her gaze. 'For me, life now means the smile on his face and the comfort in his breathing," she said.
For Dhyansh, his mother's embrace was not just a refuge, but a shield against fire, pain, and death. This tragic accident once again proved that a mother is not only the giver of life — she is the strongest fortress of life itself.
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First Published:
July 28, 2025, 12:27 IST
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