The Air India flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick from Ahmedabad, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12, 2025, killing 241 of the 242 people on board. Among the deceased were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian citizen. In a shocking turn of events, one passenger, a British national named Vishwashkumar Ramesh, miraculously survived the devastating crash.
Ramesh, a 40-year-old businessman from Leicester, was seated in seat 11A, near the front of the plane. According to police reports, he managed to jump out of an emergency exit after the plane crashed. He is currently receiving treatment at Ahmedabad's Civil Hospital. Dr. Dhaval Gameti, who examined Ramesh, stated that he was disoriented and had multiple injuries but was out of danger.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Ramesh told Indian media that he was traveling to Britain with his brother after visiting family in India. He recounted the horrific scene after the crash: "When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me."
News of Ramesh's survival has been met with disbelief and relief. His cousin, Ajay Valgi, told reporters that Vishwashkumar Ramesh was "fine." However, Ramesh's brother, Nayan Ramesh, confirmed to the New York Times that his other brother was also on the plane and is among the deceased, describing the family as “completely devastated and just in shock.”
The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed in a densely populated residential area near the Ahmedabad airport, hitting a hostel for trainee doctors. It is feared that at least 50 people on the ground have also perished. Rescue workers are still searching the scene of the disaster.
The crash has sent shockwaves through both India and the United Kingdom. King Charles III expressed his deep shock, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his sadness and condolences to the affected families. The UK has dispatched an investigation team to assist in determining the cause of the crash. Aviation expert Julian Bray noted that the pilot issued a mayday call, suggesting the crew was aware of a problem before the crash.
The incident marks the first crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since it entered service in 2009. It also brings renewed scrutiny to Air India, which was privatized just three years ago after being purchased by the Tata Group. The airline had been working to revamp its image as a polished and reliable carrier.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the families of the victims and providing care for the sole survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, whose escape from the wreckage has been described as nothing short of a miracle.
