Joshi Family Lost in AI-171 Crash: Final Selfie with Wife and Children Touched the World

A Tragic Day in Aviation History

One of the most devastating aviation tragedies of 2025 occurred on June 12, when Air India flight AI-171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London. Among the 241 people who lost their lives was the Joshi family from Rajasthan. Just moments before the disaster, they took a smiling family selfie onboard — a photo that has since gone viral and become a heartbreaking symbol of dreams cut short.

Details of the Crash

Flight AI-171 was on a scheduled route from Ahmedabad, India to London, UK. The aircraft went down just 33 seconds after takeoff. According to early reports, 241 people perished, with only one known survivor. While the cause is still under investigation, initial expert analysis points to a suspected technical failure during takeoff.

Who Were the Joshis?

The Joshi family included:

• Dr. Pratik Joshi, a physician already working in London

• Dr. Komi Vyas, also a doctor, planning to join him

• Their three children, all under the age of 10

The family was on their way to start a new life together in the United Kingdom. Before the plane departed, they sent a selfie to relatives in India — a joyful moment, now frozen in time.

A Viral Image of Grief and Love

Pratik Joshi had been living in London for six years. A software professional, he’d long dreamed of building a life abroad for his wife and three young children, who stayed back in India.

After years of waiting for due clearances the dream was finally coming true. Just two days… pic.twitter.com/M34mDQyznE

— THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) June 12, 2025

The now-viral photograph shows the family smiling, seated on the aircraft, full of hope and anticipation. It quickly spread across social media and global news outlets. It became an emblem not just of tragedy, but of love, family, and the fragility of life.

Major headlines called it:

• “One of the Saddest Photos Ever Taken”

• “A Family’s Final Smile That Never Reached Its Destination”

Public Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

The public in India and around the world reacted with grief and solidarity. Government and private institutions offered support to the victims’ families. An official investigation is underway. According to The Guardian, one of the plane’s black boxes has been recovered and is being analyzed.

Conclusion

The Joshi family’s story is a somber reminder of how life can change in an instant. Their final photograph is not just viral content — it represents love, unity, and dreams never realized. It has touched millions, reminding us of the preciousness of every moment with the people we love.