On June 12, 2025, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The tragic incident claimed the lives of at least 204 passengers, with 242 people on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Amid the devastating loss, one story of survival has emerged as a beacon of hope. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old passenger seated in 11A, is the only known survivor of the catastrophic Air India crash.
A Miraculous Escape from Air India Crash Survivor
The crash occurred just five minutes after takeoff at 1:38 PM, when the aircraft, piloted by Captain Sumit Sabharwal and Co-pilot Clive Kunder, issued a Mayday distress call before plunging into the Meghaninagar area, a residential neighborhood near the airport. The plane struck a doctors’ hostel, igniting a massive fire and causing additional casualties on the ground. Emergency services, including the Indian Army, NDRF, and fire brigades, were swiftly deployed, but the scale of the disaster left little hope for survivors. Yet, against all odds, Ramesh was found alive amidst the wreckage.
The Survivor’s Story and Ongoing Recovery
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, now recovering at Civil Hospital in Asarwa, Ahmedabad, has become a symbol of resilience. According to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik, Ramesh was discovered in seat 11A, severely injured but alive, and was immediately rushed for medical treatment. Reports indicate he sustained severe burns and remains under intensive care, with medical teams working tirelessly to stabilize him. His survival is described as miraculous, given the crash’s intensity, which left the aircraft’s wreckage charred and scattered.
Details about Ramesh’s background remain limited, but posts on X highlight the public’s prayers for his recovery. It reflects the emotional weight of his survival. The crash, which killed notable figures like former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The Incident has shaken India and beyond, with condolences pouring in from global leaders. As investigations into the cause continue, Ramesh’s survival offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise heartbreaking tragedy. This reminds us of the unpredictable nature of life and the strength of the human spirit.