Breaking Down on Overcrowded Roads, Bristol Student Avoids Tragedy: How a Delay Saved Her Life Amid an Indian Air Disaster
A remarkable case where a few minutes’ delay proved life-saving amid a catastrophe that claimed hundreds of lives. A Bristol student, currently on holiday in Western India, told journalists how her ten-minute tardiness to catch an Air India flight saved her life in the deadly crash that occurred the day before. The story of Bhumi Chauhan, a Business Administration student, has been reported by both British and Indian media. It stands as one of the few instances where even an unfortunate event such as bad weather or traffic congestion unexpectedly ended up saving a life in a global tragedy. According to her, everything began that day with an unforeseen traffic jam in Ahmedabad, which delayed her trip to the airport. As a result, she missed her scheduled flight AI171, which was to take her to London. An hour before departure, Bhumi managed to reach the airport and appeared poised to catch her flight. However, airline staff refused her boarding — citing scheduled timings and safety regulations. Disappointed and temporarily angry, she left the airport and stopped at a café to grab a snack and freshen up. While there, she was discussing with friends and family about ticket refunds when she received a shocking call: the Boeing Dreamliner flying the AI171 route had taken off unexpectedly that morning and had already crash-landed. It is known that 241 passengers and crew members perished in the crash. Recollecting the events, Bhumi emphasizes that her fortunate gap between being late and the crash was a true miracle. She stresses that it was not mere chance but rather an unpredictable coincidence that saved her life. She mentions that only one person survived this tragedy — a British-Indian citizen who miraculously remained alive among the wreckage of the shattered aircraft. This story highlights the importance of human luck and the unpredictability of fate, as even small delays can serve as a vital safety buffer in catastrophic situations. It serves as a reminder that in a world driven by high technology and strict schedules, unforeseen coincidences still play a significant role. Experts analyzing this incident note that every day, every delay or unexpected turn can alter people’s life paths. While countless passengers and their families are suffering grief and loss at this moment, Bhumi Chauhan’s story becomes a symbol of hope—almost a miracle—that helped her escape a global tragedy. The Indian disaster underscores the need to strengthen aviation safety and consider potential outcomes of various circumstances. Yet, it also reminds us all of the value of each moment and that sometimes, fate offers a second chance—if we notice it in time.