The Teenager Behind the Viral Air India Crash Video: A Personal Account

Aryan Asari, a 17-year-old from Ahmedabad, filmed the catastrophic crash of an Air India flight shortly after takeoff. The traumatic experience and media attention has left him shaken, redefining his once innocent love for planes.

 

In a harrowing twist of fate, 17-year-old Aryan Asari found himself enmeshed in one of India's most infamous aviation disasters when he filmed the catastrophic crash of an Air India Dreamliner 787-8 while on his terrace in Ahmedabad last Thursday. What had started as a leisurely day of shooting videos of planes quickly transformed into a nightmare that would change his life forever. The crash, which resulted in the loss of 241 lives aboard and nearly 30 on the ground, unfolded right before Aryan's eyes, shattering his passion for aviation.

Aryan's father, Maganbhai Asari, shared with the BBC that his son used to race outside at the sound of approaching aircraft, reveling in their presence. However, following the horrific incident, the very thought has incited overwhelming fear in Aryan, leaving him too traumatized to even use his phone. “Whenever I’d call, Aryan would ask about spotting planes, but now he just can’t bear the thought,” Mr. Asari lamented.

The crucial footage captured by Aryan has since become a focal point for investigators attempting to decipher the reasons behind the crash. "I saw the plane wobbling, then it crashed. I couldn’t believe my eyes," Aryan recounted in an interview. Now, instead of simply being an aviation enthusiast, Aryan has been thrust into the spotlight, with journalists and news crews swarming their home in search of his story.

Despite the initial excitement of exploring a new city—subsequently accompanied by his sister for her entrance exam—Aryan's thrilling venture quickly turned tragic. The day began ordinarily, with family bonding and casual filming, only for it to spiral into chaos as flames engulfed the aircraft with Aryan left to collect the pieces. Having sent the shocking video to his father during the incident, the ensuing media storm has struck fear into Aryan's heart, further deepening the ripples of trauma.

Days following the crash turned into a sleepless nightmare, with the family at the mercy of relentless reporters. Mr. Asari confirmed, contrary to some claims, that his son was questioned by police but was not detained. “We are just trying to protect Aryan; he deserves peace after all of this,” he stated. In an effort to shield him from the onslaught of attention, the family opted to return to their ancestral village.

Although Aryan has resumed his schooling, the emotional scars remain. His family continues to support him in healing from the psychological damage, though he remains wary of the skies that once fascinated him. "I believe he will overcome this,” Mr. Asari remarked, “but his love for planes has undeniably been overshadowed by fear.”