The aftermath of the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad is still unfolding, with the city and the world grappling with the sheer scale of the tragedy. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 souls, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12, 2025, impacting a medical college hostel and claiming over 290 lives, including those on the ground. Amidst the devastation, a single survivor has emerged: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin.
Ramesh, who was assigned seat 11A, is currently recovering at Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital. Dr. Dhaval Gameti, who examined him, reported that Ramesh was disoriented and sustained multiple injuries, but is thankfully out of immediate danger. News outlets report Ramesh saying, "Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly."
The circumstances surrounding Ramesh's survival remain unclear. Some reports indicate he was seated near an emergency exit and managed to jump from the aircraft as it crashed. Video footage circulating on social media appears to show a man resembling Ramesh, bloodied and limping, being assisted by medical personnel. The man in the video can be heard saying "they're all inside" when asked about the other passengers.
The news of a lone survivor has sent ripples of both hope and anguish through the affected communities. While Ramesh's family in the UK express profound relief, their joy is tempered by the uncertainty surrounding the fate of Ramesh's brother, who was also on the flight. Ajay Valgi, Ramesh's cousin, spoke to the BBC, stating that Ramesh confirmed he was fine during a brief phone call but provided no other details.
The crash has triggered a massive response. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and met with injured victims in the hospital. Emergency response teams are working tirelessly, and Air India has established a helpline (1800 5691 444) for affected families. DNA testing is underway to identify the deceased, a grim but necessary process given the extent of the damage.
The Air India crash is one of the worst aviation disasters in India in decades. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal investigation, adhering to international protocols established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Investigators will focus on determining the cause of the crash.
Beyond the immediate tragedy, the crash has deeply affected the families of the victims and the students at the medical college. The loss of life, the stories of those who perished, and the miraculous survival of one passenger create a complex narrative of sorrow, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. The world watches as Ahmedabad mourns, investigates, and begins the long process of healing.
