In a tragedy that claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew, plus 24 on the ground, on Air India flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London, a single survivor has emerged, British national Vishwas Kumar Ramesh. Seated in 11A, Ramesh's survival is being called a miracle, sparking speculation and debate about the circumstances that allowed him to walk away from the devastating crash.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, June 12, 2025. According to reports, the cockpit sent out a Mayday call almost immediately after takeoff at 1:39 PM local time, but there was no further communication. The final data transmitted showed the plane reached an altitude of 625 feet before beginning to descend. It then crashed into a building in a residential area near the airport, erupting into flames.
Amidst the charred wreckage and unimaginable loss, Ramesh's story is one of improbable survival. Found dazed and bloodied but alive, he recounted the horrifying moments leading up to the crash. He described the roar of the engines giving way to chaos a mere 30 seconds after takeoff. Speaking from his hospital bed, Ramesh recalled the plane seeming to "come to a standstill" midair for a few seconds. He felt the engine thrust increase as if to ascend, but instead, the aircraft crashed with tremendous speed into a building. Despite witnessing the death of those around him, including an air hostess, he managed to unbuckle himself and escape.
Seat 11A's location may have played a crucial role in Ramesh's survival. It was positioned in the first row of economy class, directly behind the business cabin, and close to the emergency exits on the left side of the aircraft. While these seats are sometimes avoided due to limited recline, their proximity to the emergency exit proved to be a potential lifeline. When the plane crashed, the front-left section, including seat 11A, collapsed at ground level. Ramesh found himself near an open exit and was able to escape. He stated that the opposite side of the aircraft was blocked by a building wall, preventing any survivors from that section.
Aviation experts emphasize that in such disasters, seat location and immediate access to an exit can be the difference between life and death. In this instance, the area around seat 11A remained intact long enough for Ramesh to escape. While investigations are underway, early assessments suggest that Ramesh's survival was a "fluke" and a "blessing from above," considering the extent of the damage to the aircraft.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the crash, with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau enlisting the assistance of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. The black box has been recovered, marking a significant step in understanding the sequence of events that led to the tragedy. Air India has also been ordered to conduct extra safety checks on its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 planes as a preventative measure.
