The Haunting Experience of the Ahmedabad Teen Who Witnessed the Air India Crash

A young aviation enthusiast's enthusiasm turns to horror as he films the moment an Air India Dreamliner crashes shortly after takeoff, killing hundreds and plunging him into a media storm.

Every time Aryan Asari heard the rumble of an airplane overhead, he would eagerly rush outside to catch a glimpse. The 17-year-old found immense joy in film-making, particularly of the aircraft that soared above his home in Ahmedabad. But that thrill turned into a nightmare last Thursday when he captured the tragic crash of an Air India Dreamliner 787-8 just moments after it took off.

As firefighters tackled the blaze that ensued, 241 lives were lost onboard, with horrific consequences for nearly 30 individuals on the ground. Aryan's video, heralded as a key piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation, now serves as a somber reminder of that fateful day.

Initially fascinated by the sight of bustling flights, Aryan watched from his house's terrace when the plane's descent caught his eye. "I saw the plane wobbling and crashing right before me," he recalled in an interview, still shaken from the harrowing experience. The family, fresh to their new Ahmedabad home, became unintentionally thrust into the spotlight, with reporters swarming their residence as they sought to interview the adolescent videographer.

The aftermath of the crash proved to be a devastating ordeal for Aryan, who became visibly traumatized from the shocking series of events. His father, Maganbhai Asari, reported, "My son is so terrified that he has even stopped using his phone." The family, who had recently relocated from their rural village, initially viewed the bustling city as an exciting opportunity for Aryan to pursue his passions.

On that day, Aryan had joined his sister in the city while she prepared for an entrance examination. After a brief lunch together, Aryan ventured to the terrace to film. Returning to the terrifying moment, he stated, "I just kept filming it, unable to understand the gravity of the situation until it was too late."

When the smoke engulfed the sky and fire erupted from the wreckage, he frantically alerted his father, who rushed home, only to find Aryan utterly shaken and distressed. Though Mr. Asari implored his son to keep the footage private, the video rapidly circulated. Soon, their life became a spotlight, inundated with media requests.

Days later, police took Aryan in for questioning, relating his experience as the captivating video made headlines across India. Post-crash, Aryan returned to his village home to seek refuge from the public eye. Although he resumed school, he struggles with his memories and the anxiety that persists since that tragic day. "He is still not himself," his father said, noting that even a simple phone ring sends Aryan into a panic.

Despite the trauma, Mr. Asari holds hope for his son, believing that time will heal the psychological wounds. "But I doubt Aryan will ever look for planes again," he lamented, echoing the weight of the horror they had experienced.