Who was Nirali Patel? Lone Canadian killed in Air India flight crash

Nirali Patel, an Indian-origin dentist living in Canada was killed in the Ahmedabad plane crash. (Photo: X)

The lone Canadian passenger onboard the ill-fated London-bound Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad has been identified as Dr Nirali Sureshkumar Patel, a 32-year-old Indian-origin dentist.

Among the deceased were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese and one Canadian.

Nirali Patel, who lived in Etobicoke, Toronto, was travelling back to Canada from a “social trip” in India when the unfortunate accident happened, CTV News Toronto reported on Thursday. Her husband is planning to travel to India along with their one-year-old child, it added.

Also Read: Ahmedabad Plane Crash live updates

“It’s absolutely shocking. There are no words in this grievance," said community leader Don Patel, who was acquainted with the family.

Nirali was visiting India for four or five days. Her parents, brother and sister-in-law live in Brampton, Don Patel said, adding when he spoke to her brother “very briefly” soon after the news broke out, “he was in shock and wasn’t able to talk much.”

Patel worked at a Mississauga dental clinic and got her dental degree in India in 2016 followed by receiving her licence in Canada in 2019, the report added. Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford offered his condolences on her demise in the tragic crash.

“I’m saddened to learn that a Canadian from Mississauga, Ontario was among those lost in the tragic Air India crash near Ahmedabad. On behalf of the people of Ontario, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of every victim," Ford posted on X on Thursday.

Earlier, Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “devastated” to learn about the crash that had one Canadian national among those on board.

“My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board. Canada’s transportation officials are in close contact with counterparts and I am receiving regular updates as the response to this tragedy unfolds,” he said on X.

The flight, destined for London Gatwick Airport (LGW), carried 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The tragic incident occurred around 1.39 pm.