Plane Crash Survivor: British Man Escapes Death as 241 Perish in Air India Tragedy
In what can only be described as a miracle, a British man has emerged as the lone survivor of the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash, which claimed the lives of 241 people shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India.
Authorities have confirmed that the sole survivor was seated in 11A, a spot now etched in memory for its unlikely link to life amidst overwhelming loss. Identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the passenger was found alive and has since been hospitalised for treatment. His survival has stunned both emergency responders and the wider public.
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Speaking from his hospital bed, Ramesh recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the crash. “Just seconds after takeoff, there was a loud sound, and everything went dark. It happened so fast,” he told reporters from Indian media outlets who managed to interview him after the incident.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed the details, stating that the survivor is undergoing medical care and has been cooperating with authorities. Ramesh’s boarding pass and seat assignment were also verified, reinforcing his account of the ordeal.
The Boeing 787-8, which was en route to London, had 242 people on board, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven from Portugal, and one Canadian. It crashed less than a minute after departure, striking residential buildings used to house medical staff.
In the aftermath of the disaster, global leaders extended their condolences. King Charles and Queen Camilla issued a statement expressing their deep sorrow: “We are desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of all affected.”
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British Foreign Secretary David Lammy also announced that the UK government had deployed crisis response teams in both India and Britain to assist victims’ families and support any affected nationals.
Air India has confirmed that all but one of those on board perished in the crash. As investigations continue, the story of Ramesh’s survival stands as a rare glimmer of hope in an otherwise devastating catastrophe.