A Heart-Wrenching Tragedy That Hits Close to Home
June 14, 2025
On June 12, 2025, the world watched in horror as Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The plane, bound for London Gatwick, carried 242 souls—169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. Tragically, only one passenger, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, survived, emerging from the wreckage with burns and a story that’s nothing short of a miracle. The crash, which claimed 241 lives on board and 33 more on the ground, including medical students at a nearby college hostel, has left families, communities, and nations reeling.
As I sit down to write this, my heart aches for those who’ve lost loved ones in this devastating event. I’ve written about life’s highs and lows, from personal triumphs to collective tragedies, and few things are as universal—or as shattering—as grief. The news of the Ahmedabad crash, India’s worst aviation disaster in over 25 years, reminds us how suddenly loss can strike, leaving us to navigate a world that feels forever changed.
If you’re reading this, perhaps you’re grappling with the pain of losing someone dear, whether to this tragedy or another. Maybe you’re searching for answers on how to heal from the loss of a loved one or seeking steps to cope with grief. This article is for you—a guide born from research, empathy, and a deep desire to help you find light in the darkness. I’ll weave in lessons from my own experiences with loss, insights from experts, and practical steps to help you move forward.
Understanding Grief: It’s Okay to Feel Broken
Grief is not a straight line. It’s a storm that crashes over you in waves—sometimes calm, sometimes overwhelming. When I lost my father a decade ago, I thought I’d “get over it” in a few months. Instead, I found myself crying at the smell of his favorite jasmine flowers years later. The Ahmedabad crash, with its staggering toll, brings this truth into sharp focus: grief is personal, unpredictable, and deeply human.
Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a pioneer in grief studies, outlined the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. But as I’ve learned, these stages aren’t a checklist. You might skip one, linger in another, or circle back. What matters is giving yourself permission to feel without judgment.
Steps to Cope with Grief: A Roadmap to Healing
Healing from the loss of a loved one is not about “moving on” but about finding ways to carry the love and memories forward. Here are actionable steps to cope with grief, drawn from expert advice and my own journey:
1. Acknowledge Your Pain
Grief demands to be felt. After the Ahmedabad crash, families like Anita Ben Thakur’s, who stood at the cordoned-off crash site desperate for answers, are living this truth. Suppressing emotions can prolong your pain. Try:
- Journaling: Write about your loved one, your memories, or even your anger. I started a journal after my grandmother’s passing, and it became a safe space to process my thoughts.
- Talking: Share stories with friends or family. If that feels too heavy, consider online forums like Reddit’s r/GriefSupport, where thousands share their experiences.
2. Seek Support
You don’t have to grieve alone. The Air India crash has united communities in mourning, from Ahmedabad to Blackburn, where families like the Nanabawas lost Akeel, Hannaa, and their four-year-old daughter, Sara. Support can look like:
- Loved Ones: Lean on friends or family who listen without trying to “fix” your pain.
- Support Groups: Organizations like GriefShare or The Compassionate Friends offer in-person and virtual groups. In Ahmedabad, local communities are rallying to support affected families.
- Therapy: A grief counselor can provide tools to navigate complex emotions. Platforms like BetterHelp or Psychology Today can connect you with licensed professionals.
3. Practice Self-Care
Grief takes a physical toll. After my own loss, I neglected sleep and barely ate, which left me drained. To care for yourself:
- Sleep: Aim for 7–8 hours, even if it means creating a calming bedtime routine.
- Nutrition: Eat simple, nutrient-rich meals. Even a smoothie can help when appetite is low.
- Exercise: Gentle activities like walking or yoga release endorphins. A 20-minute walk in nature helped me find moments of peace during my darkest days.
4. Honor Your Loved One
Creating rituals can transform pain into connection. In Ahmedabad, families are planning memorials for victims like Vijay Rupani, the former Gujarat chief minister. Try:
- Memory Rituals: Light a candle, plant a tree, or create a photo album. I keep a small locket with my grandmother’s picture—it’s a tangible link to her.
- Acts of Service: Volunteer for a cause your loved one cared about. It’s a way to keep their spirit alive.
- Storytelling: Share their stories. Kinal, described as a “beautiful dancer,” lives on through her father’s memories.
5. Give Yourself Time
Grief has no deadline. The Ahmedabad crash’s aftermath—charred wreckage, ongoing investigations—reminds us that healing is slow. Milestones like holidays or anniversaries (like Father’s Day 2025, just days away) can intensify emotions. Be patient with yourself.
6. Seek Professional Help When Needed
If grief feels paralyzing—persistent depression, inability to function, or thoughts of self-harm—reach out. Vishwashkumar Ramesh, recovering in a hospital, faces not just physical but emotional scars.
The Ahmedabad Crash: A Collective Grief
The Air India crash is a stark reminder of how loss ripples beyond individuals to entire communities. The plane, carrying 242 people, crashed into a medical college hostel, killing students and residents. The tragedy’s scale—274 total deaths, including 33 on the ground—has sparked national mourning, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the site and meeting survivor Ramesh.
Investigators are probing engine failure, wing flap issues, and landing gear malfunctions, with both black boxes now recovered. Theories range from a double engine failure to a possible bird strike, echoing the 2009 “Miracle on the Hudson.” The Indian government has ordered safety checks on Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet, and international teams from the UK and U.S. are assisting.
For those grieving, the crash’s public nature—covered by outlets like The Guardian and BBC—can amplify pain. Social media posts on X reflect shock and sorrow, with users like
@IndiaToday
sharing expert analyses and tributes. Yet, amidst the devastation, stories of resilience emerge, like Bhoomi Chauhan, who missed the flight by minutes.
A Light in the Darkness
The Ahmedabad Air India crash is a stark reminder of life’s fragility. For those grieving, whether from this tragedy or another, healing feels impossible at first. But as someone who’s walked this path, I promise: you are not alone, and there is hope. By acknowledging your pain, seeking support, practicing self-care, and honoring your loved one, you can find a way to carry their memory forward.
If you’re struggling, reach out. Call a friend, join a support group, or contact a counselor. And if you’re touched by the Ahmedabad tragedy, consider joining community memorials or sharing stories to keep the victims’ legacies alive.
Have you lost someone dear? What’s helped you cope? Share your story below, and let’s support each other..
