In an extraordinary escape, a British man survived the Air India crash that killed 241 passengers and crew members. The lone Air India crash survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, walked away from the burning wreckage after flight AI171 crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad.
Ramesh sat in seat 11A on the London-bound Boeing 787. Within a minute of takeoff, the aircraft lost altitude and slammed into buildings used by trainee doctors. Flames and smoke filled the area. Despite his injuries, Ramesh escaped and approached emergency responders on foot.
His brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, said the family could not believe he survived. When Ramesh called, he pleaded with them to “find Ajay,” referring to their other brother who was also onboard and remains unaccounted for.
The crash claimed the lives of 169 Indian nationals and 52 Britons. Families across the UK and India are mourning their losses. Among the victims were Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee, and their daughter Sara, who had been on a surprise family trip to India.
Wellness coaches Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, Javed and Mariam Syed of West London, and the Taju family from Blackburn were also believed to be on the flight. Loved ones described the shock and heartbreak they felt upon hearing the news.
Jay, a relative, said Ramesh had injuries on his face and blood on his clothes. He added that Ramesh appeared conscious and aware. Doctors at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital treated his wounds and confirmed that he had stabilized. India’s Interior Minister, Amit Shah, later visited Ramesh in the hospital.
Born in India, Ramesh moved to the UK in 2003. He lives there with his wife and four-year-old son. Media outlets published a photo of his boarding pass, confirming his seat and identity. His survival, though unexplainable, has drawn attention around the world.
King Charles and Queen Camilla offered their condolences, saying their thoughts were with the families affected by the tragedy. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the news “devastating,” while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “heartbreaking beyond words.”
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy led the government’s response. He chaired an emergency meeting and dispatched consular teams to assist families in both countries. London Gatwick Airport, the flight’s destination, set up a support center for relatives seeking information.
Flight AI171 departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 local time. It was scheduled to arrive at London Gatwick at 18:25 BST. Moments after takeoff, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into nearby structures. A widely circulated video showed the jet descending and exploding on impact.
Investigators are examining flight data and black box recordings to determine the cause. Aviation experts believe the next few days will be crucial for understanding what went wrong. Authorities have not ruled out mechanical failure or human error.
The survival of Air India crash survivor Vishwashkumar Ramesh has stunned medical teams and aviation authorities alike. His focus remains on finding his missing brother. While families mourn, his story offers a rare glimpse of hope in the face of overwhelming loss.
READ: Air India Crash Survivor Recounts Escape from Wreckage
