A joyful vacation ended in unimaginable sorrow when a family’s return home turned into a national tragedy.
On June 12, 2025, a devastating plane crash in India claimed the lives of Akeel Nanabawa, his partner Hannaa Vorajee, and their four-year-old daughter Sara Nanabawa, who lived in Gloucester, England. They were aboard Air India Flight AI171, which crashed just seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, killing 52 British nationals and leaving many in mourning.
The aircraft, en route to London Gatwick, was carrying 242 passengers, including crew members, when it struggled to gain altitude and plunged into a residential area.
Among the casualties was this family, who had been excitedly returning home after their unannounced trip to India. Their sudden deaths left the rest of the family, friends, and community in shock.
In a statement, the relatives said they felt deep sorrow and pain while waiting for updates on their loved ones. They also mentioned they were still processing the huge impact of the tragic event.
Akeel, originally from Newport, South Wales, was remembered for his kindness and deep connections within his community. Meanwhile, Hannaa, known for her warmth and compassion, was not only a beloved partner and mother but also a director at Peace Inclusion, a nonprofit promoting interfaith understanding and education.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Abdullah Samad, imam at the Masjid E Umar mosque and head teacher at Sara’s school, emphasized the profound sense of loss shared across the community.
He noted that their contributions went far beyond personal relationships—they were foundational members of their neighborhood.
He shared, “They were widely loved and deeply respected. His quiet generosity, her warmth and kindness, and their daughter’s bright, joyful spirit made a lasting impact on everyone who knew them.” He further described young Sara as a “ray of sunshine.”
Other tributes have poured from several community figures. Temple trustee Neetu Bhardwaj highlighted the unity and empathy people show in suffering. She explained that in India, “we are one human being,” not divided by religion, emphasizing, “When they hurt, we hurt.”
Additionally, Sara’s school, Al-Ashraf Primary, shared its sorrow in a statement. They said the tragic event deeply affected everyone, and they’re now starting the hard process of healing together and helping each other through the days and weeks ahead.
Farzina Hussain, a Newport City councillor from the Victoria ward, said the community was “deeply heartbroken,” and recalled Akeel’s reputation as a kind and generous individual.
She also noted how messages of grief on social media and in public gatherings reflected the deep emotional impact the family had on their community.
This was clearly seen on Akeel’s Facebook wall, where friends and loved ones expressed their grief and honored the memory of the family.
A friend, Anthony Baker, wrote, “Akeel what a lovely guy you was, thoughts and prayers xx❤️ [sic],” and Sarah Elliott-Moore responded, “Can’t believe that Ant he was a lovely bloke 😥.”
Other friends added their messages. Niall Yeates shared, “RIP brother. Hearing the news of you and family not with us anymore has gutted everyone. See you on the other side 💙. [sic]”
Aneesa Singh left a moving tribute: “My sweet Aku – I am lost for words and dont know how to begin to process such a devastating loss. Thank you for the honor of knowing you. Rest in peace my jaan. I’ll cherish memories we made together forever and always.Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajiun ❤️🕊️ [sic].”
Furthermore, Jaffa Haider reflected on their early years together: “Innah Lillah Wa Innah Ilaye Rajioon. My deepest condolences to the whole Nanabawa family. Went to primary school with Akeel and it’s just hard to sink any of this in. May ALLAH grant Akeel, his wife & daughter and all those on board the highest rank in Jannah. Rest well brother. 💙 [sic]”
In another post, Jemma Laine Ward wrote, “Heartbreaking 💔 rest in peace Akeel 🙏 ✨️and your beautiful wife and daughter 😢. Will never forget your infectious smile and cheeky personality ❤️ sending love, strength and light to all your family and friends 🙏.”
Asif Lala shared his sorrow: “My brother. This is the worst news possible. You were an amazing and loving soul. A son that your parents were so proud of. I enjoyed our time together when you visited us. You will always be in our memories. So much love to you and your family. You will be missed. Love you bro.”
Finally, Hiren Shah fondly remembered Akeel as a warm family man who brought joy to everyone.
A service in memory of the family is scheduled to take place at Swindon’s Hindu Temple, where people of various backgrounds plan to gather in solidarity. We offer our sincere condolences at this time.
Unfortunately, another family is also grieving after the Air India plane crash. As previously reported, Arjun Patoliya, a UK-based father of two, had just immersed his wife Bharatiben Patel’s ashes in the sacred Narmada River in Gujarat when disaster struck.
He was returning to London on flight AI-171. Just a week earlier, Bharatiben had passed away in London. Her final request was that her ashes be returned to her birthplace in India. Arjun honored that wish, traveling alone to her village to carry out the traditional rites.
After completing the emotional ceremonies with relatives, he was on his way back to the UK to reunite with their daughters, aged four and eight. Now, the two girls are left orphaned within the span of a single devastating week.
The Narmada River, where Arjun performed the rituals, holds deep spiritual significance in Hinduism. For many, immersing ashes in its waters is believed to purify the soul and bring peace to the departed.
Air India, which is owned by the Tata Group, confirmed the incident and has pledged financial compensation to the families of the deceased. According to official statements, each family will receive ₹96 lakh, which is approximately $116,000, as part of the support package.
Public reaction to the tragedy has been swift and emotional, reflecting growing anger over what many consider an inadequate response to a preventable tragedy.
One user on X wrote, “Is that all you value a life for? just one crore? Do you think money is going to make it better? [sic].”
Another added, “Your apology Means nothing. The families who lost their Loved One’s can’t come back now, only because of you TATA. Properly Check every Aeroplane Before sending to Fly. [sic].”
Many found the payout insufficient. “Oh, so now a human life is worth ₹1 crore? For a business empire worth billions, that’s your math? Impressive valuation of grief. [sic]” one user asked.
Others questioned legal compliance: “But as per Montreal convention they should pay 1.5cr+ to victim families……why are they offering less?? [sic]”
Another added, “Keep ur 1 cr with you .. its not equal to lives lost [sic].” While many focused on the lives of those lost, some were concerned for the survivors of the crash. “What about the person who is survived? Only hospital bills ? [sic]” a user asked.
Some added that the announcement was a shallow PR move: “Wow pathetic company. The legal limit for compensation is much higher than what you are providing. Air india and tata need to be investigated and people need to be put behind bars. Nice pr stunt.[sic]”
Others noted that many passengers were financially well-off, arguing that no amount could ever replace a life, “1 cr is not a big amount for most people who were on that flight. Most of them could afford to fly there and live there. Honestly no amount of money is enough when it comes to a life.[sic]”
Still, amid the outrage, a few messages expressed the sorrow of the moment, “Respect 🙏”
