India and the UK are grappling with the aftermath of a devastating Air India Boeing 787-8 crash in Ahmedabad, as one man emerges as the only survivor amid an overwhelming death toll of over 260.
The Sole Survivor
The lone person to escape the tragedy is Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British citizen of Indian origin. Seated in 11A—an emergency exit row—he managed to jump through a broken hatch mere seconds after the crash, and now lies hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
From his hospital bed, Ramesh described the harrowing moments:
Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed… When I got up, there were bodies all around me… I stood up and ran.
Authorities confirm he sustained bruises to his chest, eyes, and feet. Doctors say he’s lucid and stable.
The Crash: Immediate Aftermath
Flight AI 171, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew, took off from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick at around 1:38 pm on June 12. Just 30–50 seconds later, it crashed into a hostel block at B.J. Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area after issuing a mayday call citing engine failure or loss of thrust.
The disaster claimed at least 241 lives on board and 28 on the ground, making it the gravest aviation incident in over a decade and the first hull loss for a Boeing 787.
Rescue and Emergency Response
Ahmedabad’s civil defense, police, army, and NDRF teams rapidly mobilized, confronting fierce fires and navigating building debris. Approximately 60 people sustained injuries on the ground .
Prime Minister Modi visited the crash site and met with Ramesh at Civil Hospital. Emergency teams remain active, while DNA testing continues to identify the victims.
Investigations Begin
India’s AAIB, assisted by UK and US agencies, has recovered one black box. Investigators are exploring possible causes, including dual engine failure, flap or landing gear misconfiguration, and even bird strikes.
Global and Industry Fallout
- Air India and parent Tata Group have set up helplines, pledged financial assistance, and are supporting affected families.
- Boeing’s stock fell after the news, as this crash marks the first fatal accident involving the 787 series.
- International condolences poured in: UK’s PM Starmer, King Charles III, and leaders from Canada and Portugal decried the tragedy.
Looking Forward
Ramesh’s survival—miraculously seated near the exit—has provided a human face amid the devastation. However, key questions remain: What caused a cutting-edge aircraft to descend fatally within moments of takeoff? Will Boeing’s safety protocols come under renewed scrutiny?
The AAIB’s final report, expected in the months ahead, will be crucial in addressing these questions and helping prevent similar tragedies in the future.
