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10 Minutes Between Life and Death: Bhoomi Chauhan Missed Air India Crash by Just 10 Minutes

On June 12, 2025, India witnessed one of the most devastating aviation disasters in its history when Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, bound for London. While the crash claimed over 240 lives, one woman, Bhoomi Chauhan, a 28-year-old student traveling back to the UK, narrowly escaped death — thanks to a traffic delay of just ten minutes.

A Trip Home That Turned Into a Nightmare

Bhoomi was in India visiting relatives and friends in Gujarat during her summer break from university in London. On the morning of the flight, she had packed her bags, hugged her family goodbye, and set off for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Everything was on time — until an unexpected traffic jam near Bharuch halted her progress. With increasing panic, she realized her chances of making it to the airport in time were slipping away.

“I kept asking the driver to take alternate routes, but everywhere was blocked,” Bhoomi said in an emotional interview. “I had no idea at the time that being late was going to save my life.”

She arrived at the airport shortly after boarding closed. Frustrated and stressed, she tried negotiating with the airline staff, but they informed her she was too late. Bhoomi sat on a bench, devastated, trying to rebook her ticket — unaware that fate had just given her a second chance.

The Moment She Found Out

Just as she was preparing to call her family to inform them of the delay, Bhoomi’s phone lit up with a news notification: “Breaking: Air India Flight AI171 crashes minutes after takeoff.”

“I was frozen. My hands went numb. I thought it was a mistake,” Bhoomi recalled. “That was the flight I was supposed to be on. I felt like the earth moved beneath me.”

She rushed outside the terminal and watched the smoke in the distance. Sirens wailed, emergency vehicles sped past, and the airport descended into chaos. Passengers cried, staff rushed around, and news reporters began arriving at the scene.

The Emotional Aftermath

Bhoomi is now dealing with what psychologists term “survivor’s guilt” — the emotional conflict that comes with surviving a disaster that others didn’t. “Every time I see the passenger list, I wonder who I would’ve sat next to. I imagine the cabin, the noise, the fear,” she said. “And then I think — I was supposed to be there. Why not me?”

She also opened up about the messages she received after the news broke. “My phone was flooded with calls from family and friends who had assumed I was on the flight. Some were crying before I could even say ‘Hello.’ It took time for everyone — even me — to accept that I was still alive.”

What Happened to Flight AI171?

The Air India Dreamliner, carrying 232 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed into a hostel building near BJ Medical College just moments after takeoff. The pilots had sent out a “MAYDAY” signal reporting technical issues, but the plane failed to gain altitude and nose-dived into a residential area.

Emergency responders, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, fire services, and the Indian Army, arrived within minutes. But the destruction was catastrophic. The crash killed everyone onboard except for one surviving passenger in seat 11A, along with dozens on the ground — including medical students in the hostel.

A Country in Mourning

The tragedy sent shockwaves across India and abroad. Among the deceased was Roshni Songhare, a beloved flight attendant and influencer. Many international passengers from the UK, UAE, and Canada also perished. Global leaders expressed condolences, and memorials were held in several cities.

The Indian government has launched a high-level investigation, with initial findings pointing toward a possible engine malfunction. The black box has been recovered, and Boeing engineers have joined the probe.

Bhoomi’s Perspective: “I’m Not a Hero. I’m Just Alive.”

In interviews, Bhoomi has remained humble and emotionally raw. “I don’t feel lucky. I feel guilty. I feel confused. Every hour, I ask myself what this means. I can’t stop thinking of those who didn’t make it. Their families. Their stories.”

She’s chosen to delay her return to London and is currently staying with family. Bhoomi has begun speaking with trauma counselors and has even started writing in a journal to cope. “Writing helps. I’m not sure I’ll ever fly the same way again. But maybe I’ll tell this story one day to help others heal.”

Public Support & Counseling

After Bhoomi’s story went viral, thousands poured in with messages of love, support, and empathy. Many survivors of other tragedies related to her emotional turmoil. Some even shared their own near-death experiences, creating a community of collective healing.

In response, NGOs and mental health organizations offered free support to anyone affected by the crash — including Bhoomi. “She’s a symbol of fate’s strange hand,” said Dr. Neha Trivedi, a trauma therapist in Ahmedabad. “Her story brings closure and conflict at the same time. She’s a witness to grief, not just a survivor.”

Looking Forward with Purpose

Bhoomi has expressed interest in supporting a memorial project for the victims. “Maybe I can contribute to something lasting — a tree planted for each soul lost. Something gentle. Something living,” she said.

She also wants to work with airlines and governments to raise awareness about the psychological aftereffects of missed tragedies and to help improve emergency preparedness at airports.

A Story That Will Stay With Us

The story of Bhoomi Chauhan reminds us that life can change — or be saved — in minutes. Her journey is one of emotion, memory, and meaning. She may have missed a flight, but she carries the weight of an entire aircraft on her heart. And while many lives were lost, Bhoomi’s voice becomes part of the legacy they leave behind.