In the aftermath of the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, a single survivor has emerged, a British national named Vishwash Kumar Ramesh. The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12, 2025, leaving a scene of devastation and claiming the lives of all others on board and several people on the ground.

Ramesh, who was assigned seat 11A, next to an emergency exit, is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. Initial reports indicate that he sustained multiple injuries but is out of life-threatening danger. According to eyewitnesses, he was seen walking away from the crash site, appearing disoriented and in shock.

News outlets report Ramesh's statement about the crash. "I still cannot believe how I made it out alive," he said. "At first, I thought I was going to die. I managed to open my eyes, unfastened my seat belt and tried to exit the plane.” He further added that the side of the plane he was on did not directly hit the hostel, and was closer to the ground, and that the door broke down, allowing him to escape through a small space.

The crash marks the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, an aircraft with a previously unblemished safety record since entering service in 2011. The aircraft impacted a dining facility at a medical college near the airport, resulting in the deaths of several students and injuries to many others.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and met with injured victims at the hospital. He expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and pledged full support for the rescue and relief efforts. Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu conveyed his shock and devastation, assuring that all possible assistance was being provided.

The international community has also offered its support. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the scenes as "devastating" and affirmed the UK's commitment to working with Indian authorities. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has been in contact with his counterparts in the UK, Portugal, and Canada to provide assistance and support to the affected citizens.

The focus now shifts to investigating the cause of the crash. The aircraft's black box has been recovered and is expected to provide crucial insights into the events leading up to the tragedy. Investigators from the UK and the US are expected to join the Indian team to assist in the investigation.

As the investigation unfolds, the world mourns the loss of life and stands in solidarity with the families and friends of the victims. The miraculous survival of Vishwash Kumar Ramesh offers a glimmer of hope amidst the sorrow, while the search for answers continues.