In a devastating aviation incident, initial reports indicate that a British passenger miraculously survived the Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad, India. The flight, AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
According to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik, one survivor was found in seat 11A. The passenger has been identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national. Indian media outlets report having spoken to Mr. Ramesh in the hospital, where he is receiving treatment. Mr. Ramesh recounted the harrowing experience, stating that approximately 30 seconds after takeoff, a loud noise was heard, followed by the immediate crash.
The flight manifest indicates that the aircraft carried 242 individuals, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. The crash occurred in a residential area, impacting accommodation used by doctors and a student canteen.
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, in an interview with the Hindustan Times, described the chaotic scene after the crash. Despite sustaining impact injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet, he managed to escape the wreckage. He recalled being surrounded by bodies and wreckage, expressing his fear as he fled the scene. He was later assisted by someone who transported him to a hospital via ambulance.
Footage has emerged of a man, purported to be Mr. Ramesh, walking away from the crash site with visible injuries, including a bloodied and ripped shirt. Mr. Ramesh has reportedly lived in London for 20 years with his wife and child. He also mentioned that his brother was on board the same flight, seated in a different row, but his brother's condition remains unknown.
While details are still emerging, the UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) had recently published its Annual Safety Review for 2024, emphasizing that commercial aviation remains one of the safest forms of public transport, with global accident rates continuing their long-term decline.
