Arjun Patoliya was onboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft which departed from Ahmedabad airport on its way to Gatwick yesterday (June 12).
The father of two girls, four and eight, had travelled to India to scatter the ashes of his wife Bharti Patoliya, who had died from cancer just over two weeks before.
It was Mrs Patoliya’s final wish to be scattered in her homeland in Gujuarat, a GoFundMe page has explained.
The fundraiser states: “Arjun left to bid farewell to his wife, never returned to the children they both raised.
“Now, these two beautiful young girls have been left without parents — their world turned upside down in just over two weeks.”
The page has been set up by close family and friends to provide stability for the two girls, ensure they get emotional support as well as continue education and to support their future.
To donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/secure-a-future-for-arjuns-bhartis-daughters
Following the Ahmedabad tragedy, two Harrow based girls have now lost both their parents.
I’ve been in contact with the community organisation supporting the family who are a promoting a GoFundMe page set up to support the girls. Do support if you can https://t.co/bgdCs1LDTA pic.twitter.com/7MjhKxCxXO
— Krupesh Hirani AM for Brent and Harrow (@KrupeshHirani) June 13, 2025
Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, who leads the Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow, said that another couple on the flight had already lost their son in a previous aviation tragedy.
“This couple had gone to India for a religious celebration – they were coming back and now this has happened,” Mr Guruji, 53, said.
“After what has happened to their son as well – it’s just terrible to think about.”
He said he personally knew 20 people who were killed in the crash, all members of the Hindu community who had worshipped at his temple over the years.
The spiritual leader had last spoken to some of the victims as recently as two weeks ago.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said any British nationals requiring consular assistance, or who have concerns about family or friends, should call 020 7008 5000.
