By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Shire Hall fell silent on Wednesday after heartfelt tributes were paid to the Gloucester family who died in the Air India crash last month.
Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa and daughter Sara, from Gloucester, were among the 241 passengers who died in the London Gatwick bound flight on June 12.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after taking off from the western Indian city of Ahmedabad.
Gloucestershire County Council observed a minute’s silence in honour of those who died in the tragic incident – Mr Nanabawa’s cousin works at the authority.
Councillor Sajid Patel (C, Barton and Tredworth) battled the tears as he paid tribute to the “hardworking, caring and compassionate” city family.
“They lived literally round the corner from me, and I used to see them very often and most of us will remember exactly where they were, what they were doing on that day,” he said.
“I certainly do. And on that particular day, hearts were broken. Dreaming was shattered and it was pure devastation for their family, for my community, the people of Gloucester, and for all the other families who lost their loved ones right across the world, on June 12.
“People I’ve been speaking to in the city, at the local schools, at the community centres, no-one had a bad word to say about Akeel, his wife, Hannaa, or their four-year-old daughter.
“They were kind, caring, compassionate, hard working people who contributed to my community, to the local sports clubs, to the schools, they gave their time volunteering, and there will be a big loss to our city and certainly to my community.
“It’s absolutely heartbreaking, what we saw happen. Daughter Sara was only four years old.
“Their daughter was absolutely a ray of sunshine. She was absolutely beautiful and the family were as well.
“They were really good souls. May they rest in peace and may God give family and friends the strength to continue the legacy that they’ve left behind.
“And may God also give patience to all the families and friends of all the others who lost their lives on that day on June 12.”