In the aftermath of the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 crash on June 12, 2025, 56-year-old Raju Patel emerged as a pivotal figure in the rescue and recovery operations. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff, striking the BJ Medical College hostel in the Meghani Nagar area. The disaster resulted in 274 fatalities, including 241 passengers and crew members, and over two dozen individuals on the ground.
Patel, a businessman residing just 300 meters from the crash site, responded swiftly upon hearing the deafening sound of the crash and witnessing a massive fireball in the sky. He immediately joined the rescue efforts, using an ambulance from a relative’s private hospital in Shahibaug to reach the scene. Initially, the intense flames hindered access to the wreckage, but once the fire was partially controlled, Patel and other volunteers began transporting the injured using sarees, bedsheets, and gunny sacks.
After assisting in the evacuation of victims, Patel turned his attention to recovering personal belongings from the debris. He sifted through the wreckage near the Atulyam Building, where the aircraft’s engine had crashed, and discovered several bags containing valuables. Among the items recovered were approximately 70 tolas of gold jewellery, Rs 60,000 in cash, foreign currency, passports, mobile phones, laptops, ID cards, and silver articles. All recovered items were handed over to the police for safekeeping and eventual return to the victims’ families.
Valuables to be Returned to the Victims Families
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi confirmed that each salvaged item was being meticulously documented and would be returned to the families of the victims. A video shared by the minister depicted the return of gold ornaments to the family of a deceased passenger, underscoring the authorities’ commitment to ensuring that the belongings of the victims are returned to their loved ones.
Patel, who had previously volunteered during the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts, expressed the profound impact of the tragedy on the community. “We have lost a generation of doctors,” he remarked, referring to the young medical professionals who perished in the crash. The BJ Medical College mess hall, where many students were present during the crash, was among the hardest-hit areas, with numerous casualties reported. The loss of these budding doctors has left an indelible mark on the medical community.
In the days following the crash, authorities continued their investigation into the cause of the disaster. Preliminary findings suggested a possible dual engine failure, with the aircraft’s black boxes recovered to aid in the inquiry. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are leading the investigation, with assistance from international aviation experts.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event, the resilience and selflessness demonstrated by individuals like Raju Patel serve as a beacon of hope and solidarity in the face of tragedy.
