A British man has miraculously survived the tragic Air India plane crash that killed more than 240 people in Gujarat, India.
Identified as 40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the survivor was seated in seat 11A on Gatwick-bound Flight 171, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport.
Footage broadcast on Indian television showed Ramesh visibly injured but walking away from the wreckage. He later recounted the terrifying moment from his hospital bed, stating:
“Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise, then the crash. It all happened so fast. I stood up and ran… there were pieces of the plane everywhere.”
The British father, who resides in London with his wife and child, had been visiting family in India. He suffered injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet. Authorities found him in a nearby residential area and rushed him to the hospital for treatment. His family confirmed his survival but said they are still searching for another relative who was also on board.
Air India Crash: Over 240 Confirmed Dead, Dozens Still Missing
The tragic crash occurred just after 1:40 PM local time in Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 244 passengers, reportedly lost power shortly after takeoff and crashed into a densely populated neighborhood, hitting buildings that housed local doctors. Among the confirmed victims are 53 British nationals, 159 Indians, seven Portuguese, a Canadian, and 11 children, including two newborns.
Before Ramesh’s survival was confirmed, authorities feared there were no survivors. Another individual was reportedly pulled from a hospital the plane crashed into, bringing hope amid the devastation.
Cause of Crash: Possible Bird Strike or Engine Stall?
Aviation experts suggest the crash may have been caused by a bird strike, engine failure, or loss of lift at a critical phase of the flight. Preliminary data from Flightradar24 shows the plane reached an altitude of just 625 feet—well below normal—for several minutes before plummeting.
Lt. Col. John Davidson, a former US Air Force pilot, noted the aircraft likely never achieved meaningful altitude, pointing to a stall or loss of thrust just after takeoff. Some experts believe the aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT) may have deployed, signaling a serious power failure.
Despite sunny and clear weather conditions, with no turbulence reported, the aircraft crashed violently, erupting into flames and damaging multiple buildings.
