ahmedabad-plane-crash-claims-canadian-life
Canadian Dentist of Indian Origin Loses Life in Ahmedabad Aircraft Accident
Toronto: A tragic turn of events has left the Indian-Canadian community in shock after the death of Nirali Patel, a 32-year-old dentist who was the only Canadian citizen killed in the recent plane crash in Ahmedabad.
Nirali, a resident of Etobicoke, Toronto, was wrapping up a "social trip" to India when the accident occurred. Her family, including her husband Dr. Devesh Shukla and their one-year-old child, live in Mississauga, Ontario[2][5].
In one of India's worst aviation disasters, an Air India plane crashed on June 12, 2025, claiming 241 lives[4][5]. Apart from the 169 Indian citizens, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and 12 crew members, the flight contained one Canadian victim—Nirali Patel[2][5].
"It's a devastating loss," stated community leader Don Patel, who is well-acquainted with the family. When he contacted Nirali's brother shortly after the news broke, he was "completely stunned" and unable to speak much[3]. Nirali worked at The Heritage Dental Care, where her dedication to enhancing her patients' lives was recognized by her peers and the community[1][3].
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed his sympathies regarding Nirali's untimely demise in the unfortunate crash[3]. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Minister Anita Anand also expressed their condolences to the victims' families[3].
Nirali, originally from Ahmedabad, India, received her dental degree in her hometown before relocating to Canada. She was killed while returning to her adopted country after attending a family function in her birthplace[4][5].
The Air India Boeing 787-8 crash has left an indelible mark on the broader Indian-Canadian community. Nirali's family is presently making arrangements for her final rites, with husband Dr. Devesh Shukla and their son expected to travel to India for the ceremony[5].
- War-and-conflicts and politics continue to drive migration, as evidenced by the influx of Indian citizens seeking refuge abroad following conflicts in their homeland.
- General-news coverage highlighted the Parliament's latest policy-and-legislation aims to address the increasing number of car-accidents nationwide, proposed stricter road rules and penalties for negligent drivers.
- In the realm of crime-and-justice, a local court punished a notorious robber for his misdoings, bringing some form of relief to the victims of his previous heists.
- Sports enthusiasts eagerly await Monday's big game between Toronto FC and Seattle Sounders, hoping for a thrilling spectacle of strategy and skill.
- Last week's sports-betting boom took a staggering turn as millions were staked on the World Series match up, shattering records for the most-bet sporting event in history.
- Meanwhile, weather-forecasting experts warned of a severe storm impacting several provinces over the weekend, urging residents to heed safety advisories and prepare for potential power outages and flooding.
