In a heartbreaking incident earlier Thursday, June 12, an Air India flight met with disaster — but against all odds, one passenger has emerged as the sole survivor, confirmed by Indian authorities.
Flight AI 171, bound for London Gatwick, was scheduled to land at 6:25 p.m. local time. After departing from Ahmedabad Airport, the plane tragically crashed into Meghani Nagar, a densely populated residential area.
Shockingly, the aircraft struck a medical college dormitory, amplifying the devastation and chaos on the ground.
Air India confirmed there were 242 souls onboard, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian passenger.
As rescue teams work tirelessly amid the wreckage, this incredible story of survival is a rare glimmer of hope in an otherwise tragic disaster.
Breaking Update: Miraculous Survivor Emerges From Air India Crash, Defying Earlier Reports
In a stunning turn of events, officials have now confirmed the existence of one survivor from the catastrophic Air India crash—contradicting earlier statements by the police commissioner who had initially suggested there were none.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik told ANI, “The police found one survivor in seat 11A. He is currently hospitalized and receiving treatment.” He added cautiously, “We cannot yet confirm the final death toll, which may rise given the crash occurred in a residential area.”
The survivor has been identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British-Indian passenger, who has since shared his harrowing experience with local media.
Speaking to the Hindustan Times, Ramesh recalled the terrifying moments after takeoff: “I heard a loud noise almost immediately. It all happened so quickly. When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was terrified. I stood up and ran. The wreckage was everywhere.” He went on to say, “Someone grabbed me, put me in an ambulance, and brought me to the hospital.”
Ramesh also revealed he was seated in row 11A, while his brother was in a completely different part of the plane.
In response to the tragedy, Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran released a heartfelt statement expressing his condolences:
“With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in a tragic accident today. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and loved ones affected by this devastating event.
At this moment, our priority is to support all those impacted and their families. We are fully committed to assisting emergency response teams and providing every possible aid and care to those in need.”
“Further updates will be shared as verified information becomes available,” the statement added. “An emergency centre has been activated, and dedicated support teams have been established to assist the families affected by this tragedy.”
In a separate announcement, the Tata Group—the parent company of Air India—pledged to cover all medical expenses for the injured passengers and provide compensation to the families of everyone on board.