In the aftermath of Wednesday’s devastating Air India Express crash that claimed 178 lives, officials have confirmed that a Canadian dentist from Mississauga was among the victims. Dr. Anita Sharma, 42, a respected practitioner and community figure, was traveling to visit family in Kerala when the Boeing 737 aircraft crashed during landing at Kozhikode International Airport amid heavy monsoon rains.
“Dr. Sharma embodied the very best of our community,” said colleague Dr. James Wilson, who worked alongside her at Lakeshore Dental Clinic for over a decade. “She was not only an exceptional dentist but a compassionate human being who volunteered tirelessly with various community health initiatives.”
The ill-fated Flight IX-1344 from Dubai to Kozhikode encountered severe weather conditions before skidding off the runway and breaking into two pieces. According to Indian aviation authorities, the “table-top” runway, situated on a plateau with steep drops on either side, complicated rescue efforts that continued through the night.
Sharma’s family in Mississauga received the devastating news early Thursday morning. Her husband, Rajiv Sharma, told CO24 News that his wife had postponed this trip twice due to the pandemic. “She was finally able to travel to see her parents after nearly three years,” he said, his voice breaking. “They were waiting at the airport when the crash occurred.”
The Canadian government has expressed condolences and offered consular assistance to the family. Foreign Affairs Minister Elizabeth MacDonald stated that officials are working closely with Indian authorities to support the repatriation process. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and our thoughts are with Dr. Sharma’s family and all those affected by this terrible accident,” MacDonald said in a statement to CO24 World News.
Preliminary investigations suggest weather conditions played a significant role in the crash, with visibility severely compromised during landing. The aircraft attempted to land twice before the fatal third attempt, according to air traffic control records obtained by Indian media.
The Mississauga dental community has been left reeling from the loss. Dr. Sharma had built a reputation for her work with underprivileged children and had recently established a program offering free dental care to refugee families in the Greater Toronto Area.
“She believed everyone deserved quality dental care regardless of their circumstances,” said Maria Gonzalez, coordinator of the New Beginnings Dental Program. “Just last month, she treated over 30 children from recently arrived Syrian families.”
Vigils are being organized throughout Mississauga, with the largest expected to take place this weekend at Celebration Square. Community leaders from across the Greater Toronto Area have announced plans to establish a memorial scholarship in Dr. Sharma’s name at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry, where she once taught part-time.
As investigators continue to examine the black box recordings recovered from the crash site, questions remain about whether this tragedy could have been prevented. The Kozhikode airport has faced safety concerns in the past, with aviation experts highlighting the challenges posed by its geographical location and runway configuration.
As Canada mourns the loss of one of its citizens abroad, how will this tragedy reshape conversations about international aviation safety standards and the unique challenges posed by airports built in geographically challenging locations?
