Ahmedabad plane crash: 8-month-old Air India crash survivor was protected by mother's shield and skin
PTC Web Desk: On June 12, when Air India's IC171 crashed into BJ Medical College's residential quarters in Ahmedabad, a mother's courage defied the flames to save her eight-month-old son. Manisha Kachhadiya, despite the searing heat and thick smoke, shielded her son, Dhyaansh, with her body. In an extraordinary act of survival, she protected him from the deadly fire, becoming the youngest survivor of the tragic crash.
Dhyaansh, who suffered 36% burns on his face, arms, chest, and abdomen, owes his life to his mother's unwavering determination. Manisha, who sustained 25% burns to her face and hands, prioritised her child's safety, even in the face of immense pain. As the flames engulfed their home, she rushed to grab Dhyaansh, and though both suffered severe injuries, their bond and the mother’s instinct to protect her child kept them fighting.
Manisha and Dhyaansh were taken to KD Hospital, where their battle for survival began. Dhyaansh required immediate, life-saving treatment, including ventilator support, fluid resuscitation, and blood transfusions. The road to recovery was long and uncertain. One of the most heart-wrenching moments came when doctors needed to perform skin grafts to treat the infant’s burns. In a profound display of love and sacrifice, Manisha offered her own skin to help heal her son's wounds, once again becoming his shield.
Dr Adit Desai, managing director of KD Hospital, described the case as deeply emotional. "The mother's instinctive courage to save her child was truly moving," he said. The entire medical team worked together tirelessly, ensuring the best possible outcome for both mother and child.
While Dhyaansh’s recovery was medically complex, the dedicated team worked around the clock. Dhyaansh’s condition was further complicated by trauma to his lungs, requiring ventilatory support and a drainage tube for lung expansion. Despite the hurdles, their efforts bore fruit.
Kapil Kachhadiya, Dhyaansh's father and a super-specialty MCh student in urology, played a crucial role in his son’s recovery. As a medical professional, Kapil ensured that his son's treatments were carried out meticulously, even overseeing dressings in the middle of the night.
After five weeks of intensive care, Manisha and Dhyaansh have now been discharged from the hospital, each scarred yet stronger.
- With inputs from agencies
