In brief
The devastating crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, but one passenger defied the odds to survive against all expectations.
On June 13, 2025, tragedy struck when Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's international airport, resulting in a catastrophic fire that engulfed the aircraft. Out of the 242 passengers onboard, 38-year-old Viswash Kumar Ramesh miraculously emerged as the sole survivor, sparking widespread astonishment and disbelief.As the grim news spread, footage showing Mr. Ramesh with visible injuries went viral, showcasing a man who had somehow escaped from a scene that authorities deemed nearly impossible for survival. Reports indicated that the crash left many bodies unrecognizable. Following the incident, Indian authorities confirmed one survivor, prompting the visit of prominent officials, including Amit Shah, India’s home minister.In a heartfelt interview conducted from his hospital bed, Mr. Ramesh expressed disbelief at his survival, revealing his instinctual response to unbuckle his seatbelt and escape through a broken exit. He recounted the chaos as the aircraft struggled to gain altitude before it catastrophically collided with a building adjacent to the airport.Remarkably, the impact had pinned down sections of the plane against structures, complicating escape routes for most passengers. Mr. Ramesh managed to navigate out of the wreckage where he was able to reach an ambulance and later contact his family in Leicester confirming his safety. Unfortunately, his brother Ajay, who had been seated next to him, did not survive the crash.Despite the tragedy that has cast a shadow over his family, Mr. Ramesh's tale of resilience continues to unfold as he recovers from his injuries. His story serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the will to survive amid dire circumstances.
