When 38-year-old Rajesh Kumar boarded Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad—headed back to Mumbai after fulfilling his late wife’s dying wish—no one could have foreseen tragedy. Kumar had traveled to secure her ancestral home’s renovation, honoring her “final request” before she succumbed to cancer weeks earlier. Instead, the Dreamliner met disaster minutes after takeoff, and Kumar perished along with 241 others, leaving his two young daughters without parents identification of victims.
Survivors allege the Boeing 787-8 suffered a sudden loss of engine thrust, causing the fuselage to rip open and flames to engulf the cabin investigative report. Kumar’s body was recovered near a mangled exit door—his last act a desperate attempt to save others, witnesses say.
@BBCIndia “Father’s heroic efforts recounted by fellow passengers who saw Kumar directing children toward exits before collapse.” View on X
Kumar leaves behind daughters Aanya, 8, and Mira, 5, now in the care of their grandmother, Sushila Devi, who is struggling both emotionally and financially. The family home, their sole asset, was meant to be renovated to host the girls’ future—an inheritance their mother dreamed of seeing completed.
Local charity Caritas India launched an emergency fundraiser to support the orphaned girls, aiming to cover living and education expenses. “We must rally around Aanya and Mira,” said charity director Priya Menon in an interview with NDTV coverage. Donors have already contributed over ₹5 million in days.
@CaritasIndia “Our hearts are with the Kumar family—we pledge lifelong support for these two young sisters.” via X
The Air India crash has reignited calls for stricter aviation safety. The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced a comprehensive review of Boeing 787-8 maintenance records after preliminary data suggested irregular engine pressure readings during preflight checks government directive.
航空安全专家指出，类似事故凸显了紧急出口培训和机舱材料耐火标准的必要性。Dr. Sunil Agarwal of the Indian Institute of Technology told Hindustan Times analysis that “survivability hinges on rapid evacuation and structural integrity under extreme stress.”
@AviationSafety “Exit-door forces in catastrophic crashes must meet new thresholds—today’s tragedy is a wake-up call.” via X
Back in Mumbai, candlelight vigils lit up the neighborhood where Kumar’s family has resided for generations. Friends and colleagues shared memories of his devotion, both as a doting husband and a tireless IT consultant who volunteered at local schools.
A co-worker, Ramesh Patel, told The Times of India report, “Rajesh spoke lovingly about completing his wife’s dream—he was living proof of loyalty and courage.”
The Indian government has extended compensation to victims’ families under the official compensation policy, offering ₹2 million per deceased passenger plus monthly pensions. But legal experts warn this may not cover long-term needs. “Orphans require sustained support beyond one-time payouts,” says child-rights attorney Anjali Rao in a piece for Mint commentary.
@ChildRightsIntl “Short-term compensation is not enough—India must establish trust funds for orphaned children of disasters.” View on X
Psychologists emphasize the trauma these girls face, noting that children who lose both parents in sudden calamities often suffer lasting emotional scars. The Journal of Child Psychology recommends immediate counseling and stable caregiving arrangements to mitigate PTSD risks.
International responses poured in as well. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed sorrow and urged global aviation regulators to tighten safety standards UN statement. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency announced a parallel review of all 787-8 fleet inspections after learning of the crash.
In the face of grief, Kumar’s community is banding together. A local school has pledged free tuition for Aanya and Mira, while neighbors donate clothing and books. “We will not let these girls down,” said headmistress Shalini Desai during a ceremony covered by Rediff News.
As investigations continue—from NTSB analysis in the United States to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation—the Kumar girls’ plight remains a poignant reminder of human fragility. Each new detail about the crash’s cause adds urgency to the push for safer skies and stronger social safety nets for those left behind.
