In a devastating aviation disaster that claimed the lives of 241 passengers, a British man, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, has emerged as the sole survivor of the Air India Flight AI171 crash that occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport on June 12, 2025.
The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, was carrying 242 people, including 52 Britons, when it went down near a residential area in Gujarat, India. According to Air India, all but one passenger perished in what is now one of the deadliest air disasters involving British nationals.
Survivor’s Shocking Account of the Crash
Ramesh, 40, who was seated in 11A, said the plane began descending rapidly just 30 seconds after takeoff. He recalled hearing a “loud noise” before the aircraft broke apart mid-air.
“The plane split and I was thrown out,” Vishwash told the Hindustan Times from the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad. “When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I stood up and ran. Someone grabbed me and took me to the ambulance.”
Ramesh suffered injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet, and was said to be disoriented but out of danger, according to Dr. Dhaval Gameti, a physician at the hospital. He is currently in a general ward, receiving treatment for multiple impact injuries.
Family Devastated by the Loss of Loved Ones
Tragically, Vishwash’s older brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, 45, was also on board but is believed to be among the deceased. Vishwash’s younger sibling, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, 27, said:
“We’re devastated. I spoke to Vishwash just yesterday. He told us, ‘I have no idea how I exited the plane.’”
A family relative, Jay, shared that Vishwash was covered in blood and kept asking about his brother Ajay after the crash.
“He spoke to his dad and was asking, ‘Where’s Ajay?’ He was shocked and injured, but he’s alive. That’s a miracle.”
Victims Identified and Community Mourns
Among the victims were Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa, and their four-year-old daughter Sara, as confirmed by the Gloucester Muslim Community on Facebook. The crash sent shockwaves through both Indian and British communities.
Online footage captured the moment of the crash, showing a massive fireball and plumes of black smoke rising from the wreckage.
Air India’s Official Statement on the Fatal Crash
Air India confirmed the tragedy in an official statement:
“The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed Ahmedabad at 13:38 hrs for London Gatwick. Shortly after takeoff, the plane crashed. Of the 242 people on board, 241 fatalities have been confirmed. The only survivor is a British national of Indian origin currently receiving treatment in hospital. Air India expresses its deepest condolences to the families affected.”
The airline added that passengers included:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British nationals
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- 1 Canadian national
Investigation Into Air India Crash Underway
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with experts expected to analyze the black boxes recovered from the crash site. Early reports suggest the aircraft may not have performed an emergency fuel dump, which could have contributed to the explosion and rapid fire spread.
The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner model has previously come under scrutiny for technical issues. In 2024, a whistleblower warned of manufacturing shortcuts that could compromise aircraft safety as they age.
