Respected radiologist and his family among hundreds dead in Air India plane crash

A respected radiologist, his physician wife and three young children were among hundreds killed in a horrific plane crash Thursday. 

Air India flight AI-171 had just taken off from the city of Ahmedabad, in the western state of Gujarat, for a nearly 10-hour flight to London Gatwick Airport. Shortly after takeoff, the plane lurched before descending downward, crashing in flames, according to reports and video of the incident. 

Dr. Prateek Joshi—a radiologist at a National Health Service hospital in Derby, about 130 miles northwest of London—and family died on impact along with 237 other passengers. A sole survivor leapt from the emergency exit before impact, according to police. 

“It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that Dr. Prateek Joshi and his family were on board the Air India flight that tragically crashed en route from Ahmedabad to London,” Derby Hindu Temple, the Joshi family’s place of worship, said in a Facebook post. “Dr. Joshi, a radiologist at Royal Derby Hospital who lived in Derby, [and his family] were devotees of our Mandir [temple] and supported us through their sincere service and dedication. We pray to Lord Shiva to grant eternal peace to the departed souls and to give strength to the bereaved family to bear this immense loss.”

Dr. Joshi was a consulting physician who also worked at Queen's Hospital Burton in England. He moved to the bustling city of Derby, on the River Derwent, in 2021 and quickly became a “beloved colleague,” according to a tribute posted by the NHS Friday. He often entertained colleagues with stories about his passions outside of work, including a newfound love of fish and chips and walks in the Peak District National Park, said radiologist and colleague Dr. Rajeev Singh. 

“Prateek was full of joy; he was a wonderful man, friend, husband and father, and an exceptional radiologist who was highly respected in his field. He approached everything with a smile, radiated positivity and had a great sense of humor,” Singh said in a statement. “He touched the lives of so many people, both through his clinical work and as a colleague and friend to many.” 

"We are privileged that Prateek chose to give his skills, talent and knowledge to the NHS, and he will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of working with him,” Stephen Posey, CEO of University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, said in the same statement. 

Dr. Joshi had flown to India just two days before the crash to be united with his wife, Dr. Komi Vyas, their twin 5-year-old sons, Nakul and Pradyut, and 8-year-old daughter Miraya, The Telegraph reported. He worked for the NHS for four years and was bringing his family back from Banswara to the U.K., starting a new chapter. 

The radiologist snapped a selfie with his family on the plane minutes before takeoff with his wife of 10 years, who had recently left her job as a respected pathologist at the Pacific Hospital in Udaipur, where her husband also previously worked.

Dr. Joshi’s father, JP Joshi, runs a sonography clinic in the same city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. His mother, Dr. Anita Joshi, also served in the medical profession, The Times of India reported. The family was widely admired for their success, humility, warmth and “deeply rooted values,” according to the newspaper.

The flight was in the air for roughly 32 seconds before appearing to lose power and descending. It was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The police investigation is focused on the engine, flaps and landing gear issues, Reuters reported Friday.