A devastating Air India crash just seconds after takeoff in Ahmedabad claimed the lives of 241 people, including British grandmother Raxa Modha, her two-year-old grandson Rudra, and her daughter-in-law Yasha Kamdar. The three were returning to the UK for a memorial service honoring Raxa’s late husband, Kishor Modha, who passed away from cancer in April.
Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 bound for London Gatwick, went down just 30 seconds after takeoff on June 12. The Modha family shared their heartbreak in a public statement: “It is with deep sadness that we have lost three members of our family… Our hearts are broken. We are at a complete loss.”
The Wellingborough community, where Raxa lived, is in mourning. Family friend Jaya Tailor described her as “a people’s person, kind, and generous.” Mayor Raj Mishra added, “This is a heartbreaking event for our community. May their memories be a blessing.” A local Hindu temple has planned a special prayer gathering in her honor.