Community Comes Together in Auckland to Remember Ahmedabad Plane Crash Victims
Auckland’s Mahatma Gandhi Centre is hosting a gathering tonight, uniting New Zealand’s Indian community to honor the lives lost in a tragic airplane crash in Ahmedabad, India. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff, involving an Air India flight bound for London, which crashed in a residential area.
Currently, reports indicate one survivor among the 242 people aboard. The death toll has reached at least 290, which includes victims on the ground, according to various news sources.
Among those who tragically lost their lives were minors, local residents, and individuals in a medical college hostel that was struck by the airplane. Air India confirmed that the deceased comprised 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven from Portugal, and one Canadian.
Narendra Bhana, the former president of the New Zealand Indian Central Association, expressed the community’s deep sorrow. “The Indian diaspora is mourning the loss of lives in Ahmedabad," he said. "Many of us have strong family ties to the region, and this tragedy has a significant impact on our community. We stand in solidarity with everyone affected during this painful time."
Bhana has helped organize the candlelight vigil in Auckland and encourages all members of the community to join in. “This is a chance for us to come together in prayer and support for the victims and their families,” he stated.
Hitesh Dobariya, a member of the community who lost a distant relative in the crash, shared that the family in Ahmedabad remains in shock. He noted that authorities have begun taking DNA samples to identify the deceased, although there has been confirmation that only one person survived.
Among the deceased is former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who served from 2016 to 2021. Ketan Joshi, a journalist in Auckland, recalled working with Rupani during the COVID crisis, noting him as a leader who genuinely cared for his constituents.
Following the confirmation of casualties and support for the victims’ families, attention will shift to understanding the cause of the crash. This tragic event has led to a drop in Boeing’s shares by more than 7%, while Air India faces another challenge as it works to renew its image after being privatized.
Expressing his condolences, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as "heartbreaking beyond words," and is coordinating with the relevant agencies. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed his sorrow over the devastating scenes, with the UK government activating a crisis team to respond.
The gathering in Auckland is not just a memorial; it’s a message of unity and compassion, reminding us that in times of tragedy, communities can come together to support one another.
