Mississauga Dentist Identified as Canadian Victim in Air India Flight Crash

A tragic aviation disaster in Ahmedabad, India has claimed the life of Dr. Nirali Sureshkumar Patel, a Mississauga dentist from Mississauga, Ontario, her family has confirmed.

The London-bound Air India flight AI171, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed just minutes after takeoff on June 12, 2025, plummeting into a residential area near a medical college. Authorities have confirmed at least 240 fatalities, making it one of India’s deadliest plane crashes in decades.

“That Was My Wife”

In a brief, heart-wrenching statement, Dr. Patel’s husband confirmed her presence on board. “That was my wife,” he told reporters, requesting privacy as he prepares to travel to India with their one-year-old child.

Patel, a graduate of Government Dental College and Hospital in India, had established her dental practice at Heritage Dental Centre in Mississauga. Known for her compassion, she volunteered annually at free dental camps and offered pro bono care to patients in need. Her clinic bio highlighted her passion for service:

“The feeling that my work has made a difference in someone’s life brightens my day.”

A Community in Mourning

Victor Campagn, manager of the building where her clinic operated, described her as “always happy” and a warm presence. “She had two young children. This is incredibly sad,” he said.

Premier Doug Ford expressed condolences via social media, writing,

“On behalf of the people of Ontario, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of every victim.”

The Crash and Aftermath

*Photo via SAM PANTHAKY / AFP via Getty Images — The back of Air India flight 171 is seen at the crash site in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.*

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 p.m. local time. Within five minutes, it crashed into a hostel dining hall at a medical college. Indian officials confirmed that at least five students died, and nearly 50 others were injured. The crash’s aftermath included 186 bodies delivered to local hospitals, and at least one survivor pulled from the wreckage.

The flight included:

169 Indian nationals
53 British citizens
7 Portuguese nationals
1 Canadian

The crash lodged the plane’s tail in the building, and the wreckage scattered debris across nearby streets, sparking intense fires and emergency response.

Global Reaction

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “devastated” by the news, confirming one Canadian fatality and stating that transport officials are in contact with international partners.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, British PM Keir Starmer, and King Charles also offered condolences.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a formal letter expressing support to victims’ families.

Concerns Over Aircraft Safety

The aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner—the first fatal crash involving this model. Boeing acknowledged the incident and said it is gathering information. The crash caused Boeing’s stock to drop nearly 9% in early U.S. trading.

The Air India Dreamliner fleet includes 27 of this aircraft type, and Air Canada currently has eight 787-8s and 32 787-9s in operation.

A Life Cut Short

Dr. Nirali Patel’s death has sent ripples through her community and beyond. A committed professional, a mother, and a volunteer, she is remembered not just for her skill, but for her kindness.

As one colleague shared, “She was someone who made people smile—literally and figuratively.”

How do you think Canada should support families affected by overseas tragedies like this? Let us know in the comments.

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