Lone Canadian killed in Air India plane crash was Indian-origin dentist, leaves behind one-year-old child
PTC Web Desk: Nirali Patel, a 32-year-old Indian-origin dentist from Etobicoke, Toronto, was the sole Canadian citizen who tragically lost her life in the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The heartbreaking news has left both her Canadian and Indian communities in deep mourning.
Nirali was returning to Canada after a brief personal trip to India when the London-bound Air India flight, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed into a densely populated residential area shortly after takeoff. In one of India’s worst aviation tragedies, 241 persons were confirmed dead, with only one survivor.
According to CTV News Toronto, Nirali’s husband is now preparing to travel to India with their one-year-old child to handle final rites and reunite with grieving family members.
“She was visiting India just for four or five days. It’s devastating,” said community leader Don Patel, who has known the family closely. “I spoke briefly to her brother after the news broke. He was in shock and couldn’t speak much.”
Nirali’s family in Canada—including her parents, brother, and sister-in-law—reside in Brampton. The young dentist had earned her degree in India in 2016 and worked tirelessly to build her life in Canada, earning her dental license in 2019. She was practicing at a dental clinic in Mississauga and was well-regarded in the local medical and Indian diaspora communities.
Her untimely death has sent shockwaves across Ontario, with political leaders expressing sorrow over the tragic loss.
“I’m saddened to learn that a Canadian from Mississauga, Ontario was among those lost in the tragic Air India crash near Ahmedabad. On behalf of the people of Ontario, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of every victim,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford wrote in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter).
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney also expressed grief, saying he was “devastated” to learn of the crash and the loss of a Canadian citizen.
“My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board. Canada's transportation officials are in close contact with counterparts and I am receiving regular updates as the response to this tragedy unfolds,” he said.
Foreign Minister Anita Anand called the event “devastating” and assured that Canada remains in close communication with international authorities.
“Canada is in close contact with our international partners. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have been lost in this tragedy,” she posted on X.
- With inputs from agencies
