In a horrifying tragedy that has shaken India and stunned the world, Air India Flight 171 crashed just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, killing more than 240 people on board.
But amid the flames and debris, one man lived.
A Flight That Never Reached the Sky
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London with 242 people aboard, met disaster within moments of lifting off at 1:38 p.m. local time. The aircraft collided with the grounds of a nearby medical college, causing destruction not just in the skies, but also in the community below.
Witnesses described scenes of horror: scorched classrooms, shattered rooftops, and aircraft debris lodged in the college buildings. The tail of the aircraft, eerily intact, lay embedded in the structure – a haunting symbol of the tragedy.
Officials Confirm Major Loss of Life
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the outcome was grim.
“There appear to be no survivors,” said G.S. Malik, Ahmedabad’s Police Commissioner, during early recovery efforts. He confirmed 204 bodies had been found and added that fatalities likely extended beyond passengers, given the plane had crashed in a densely populated urban area.
A Flicker of Life Amid the Ashes
But hope emerged from the wreckage. Hours later, authorities announced a single survivor had been found.
“This was previously miscommunicated. We have confirmed one living individual – a male, now receiving medical care,” Commissioner Malik clarified.
That man is Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British citizen of Indian origin. Vishwas had returned to India for a visit and was traveling back to London with his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, 45.
They had spent time together in the coastal town of Diu, cherishing a trip that was meant to be joyful – but ended in unimaginable grief.
The Survivor Speaks
Breaking News: Miraculous Escape! Vishwas Kumar Ramesh survived a harrowing Air India flight incident from Ahmedabad. The brave passenger cheated death in what could have been a tragic plane crash. Our thoughts are with all those affected. #AirIndiaFlight #Ahmedabad… pic.twitter.com/oNmySKzlWQ
— Akash Srivastava (@isrivastavas) June 12, 2025
Speaking from a local hospital, where he remains under observation, Vishwas recalled the terrifying moment of impact.
“Just after takeoff, there was a loud noise, and everything went black,” he told local reporters. “When I opened my eyes, there were bodies everywhere. I didn’t know what was happening. I just ran.”
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