As India grapples with the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, the Charotar region comprising Anand and Kheda districts has emerged as one of the most affected areas. A sense of disbelief hangs heavy in the villages and towns across the two districts, as reports confirm that at least 50 people from the region were on board the ill-fated London-bound flight.
The flight AI171, which crashed just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, had 242 people on board. Of these, 33 were from Anand district, and 17 from Kheda, according to initial reports. Many families have been left shattered, with multiple members perishing in the tragedy.
Among those killed were students, homemakers, doctors, and people who were going to reunite with their loved ones in the UK. One such family is the Halani family from Anand, who had received visitor visas and were travelling to meet relatives. Tragically, all three members lost their lives.