Seventeen-year-old Aryan Asari, an aviation enthusiast, witnessed the devastating crash of an Air India Dreamliner while filming on his terrace. His footage has become a critical piece of evidence for investigators, but the traumatic experience has left Aryan deeply shaken.
The Teenager Who Captured a Tragic Moment: Air India Crash Eyewitness Shares His Story
The Teenager Who Captured a Tragic Moment: Air India Crash Eyewitness Shares His Story
Aryan Asari's passion for aviation turned into a nightmare as he filmed the horrific crash of an Air India flight, becoming a central figure in the aftermath of the tragedy.
In a twisting turn of fate, 17-year-old Aryan Asari became an unwitting witness to one of India's most catastrophic aviation incidents while innocently pursuing his love for planes. On Thursday, as he stood on the terrace of his father's home in Ahmedabad, he recorded a video of an Air India Dreamliner 787-8 as it tragically crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in 241 fatalities, alongside nearly 30 on the ground.
Aryan had always been captivated by the sound of planes flying above, often running from his house to catch a glimpse of them. Unfortunately, what was once a joyful pastime transformed into a moment of sheer horror. “I saw the plane wobbling and crashing right before my eyes,” he recounted in an interview, the weight of his experience evident. The video he recorded has become pivotal for investigators delving into the incident's cause, but the aftermath has overwhelmed the young teenager, triggering severe anxiety.
Upon hearing of the crash, Aryan’s father, Maganbhai Asari, noted a wave of media presence encroaching upon their home, seeking statements from his son. “Reporters have been milling around day and night,” he lamented. Despite being just a high school student, Aryan quickly found himself at the center of an unfolding tragedy. His father emphasized that the emotional toll of the event has been devastating, with Aryan refraining from using his phone due to fear.
Aryan's family had recently relocated to Ahmedabad, where they could witness the busy air traffic more closely. This visit coincided with his sister's pursuit of a police entrance exam, prompting Aryan’s enthusiastic decision to accompany her for the first time. The siblings’ day began with typical activities—lunch together, laughter, and excitement over new notebooks and clothes for school. However, it took a harrowing turn when Aryan stepped out to film moments that would haunt him forever.
As he filmed the Air India flight, the initial thrill soon morphed into dread as he recognized something was amiss. The rising smoke and flames filled him with panic, prompting him to alert his father, who rushed home. “I saw it papa, I saw it crash,” Aryan frantically communicated, grappling with the trauma of his experience.
Following the tragic event, the Asari family struggled to reclaim normalcy amidst constant media attention. The police even summoned Aryan for questioning, which heightened his distress. "We decided to send him back to the village," his father explained, recognizing the urgent need to shield Aryan from the fallout.
Although Aryan has resumed his studies, he remains haunted by the crash. “Every time his phone rings, he gets scared,” his father revealed, hoping that with time, his son will heal from the terrifying ordeal. A passion for planes that once brought Aryan joy now leaves him cautious of the sky—signifying the lasting impact of this tragic event.
