Rickshaw driver’s dreams shattered as daughter dies in Ahmedabad plane crash

A young woman from Himmatnagar who was on her way to London for higher studies, lost her life in the Air India-171 plane crash on Thursday afternoon in which 242 passengers were on-board of which only one survived .

Payal Khatik’s father, a rickshaw driver in Himmatnagar, had sacrificed his dreams and worked tirelessly to support his daughter’s education. He had saved every rupee he could to send her abroad to pursue her M Tech degree. 

Payal had recently secured admission to a university in London and was set to begin a new chapter in her academic journey.

She completed her schooling from Adarsh School (Class 1 to 10) and her higher secondary education from Himmat High School. In addition to studying, Payal also ran tuition classes to support her family financially.

She boarded the Air India AI-171 flight from Ahmedabad to London on Thursday, filled with hope and ambition. Tragically, the aircraft crashed within minutes of takeoff, killing 241 passengers, which included Payal.

Upon hearing the devastating news, her family rushed to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where DNA samples were submitted for identification. The family is now awaiting official confirmation of her death.

The Khatik family, who had pinned all their hopes and dreams on Payal’s success, is now left in unimaginable grief as they cope with the sudden and tragic loss of their beloved daughter.