On Thursday, June 12, the world witnessed one of the worst air disasters in history. A tragic crash involving a London-bound Air India flight claimed the lives of many passengers on board and killed several local residents near the crash site. The aircraft, which had departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, crashed shortly after takeoff, just outside the airport perimeter.

The crash resulted in the deaths of not only those on board but also bystanders in the vicinity. Among the victims was 15-year-old Akashbhai Surajbhai Patani. Akashbhai was sleeping on a wooden cot (khatiya) near his mother’s tea stall when the tragedy struck.

According to The Hindu, he died instantly when the plane crashed where he lay resting. His mother, Sitabhen Patani, who was serving tea at her pushcart nearby, suffered severe burns and is currently undergoing treatment at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Tragically, just a few metres away from her hospital ward, her son’s body lies in the post-mortem room — a fact she remains unaware of as she continues to fight for her life.