Air India Crash British only passenger to survive

A devastating crash of Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner travelling from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, has claimed the lives of 241 people and left one man miraculously unharmed. This extraordinary survival and the ongoing investigation have captured global attention. Here, we unpack what happened, why this tragedy occurred, and what it means moving forward.

💥 The Crash

On 12 June 2025, at around 13:39 local time, Flight AI 171 took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Within 30 to 32 seconds, the aircraft lost altitude and tragically crashed into medical accommodation belonging to B.J. Medical College, triggering a massive explosion and widespread.

The jet carried 242 people (230 passengers and 12 crew). All onboard perished except one: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated in 11A.

The Sole British Survivor

Ramesh, a 40‑year‑old British citizen of Indian origin, was visiting family in India when the aircraft took off. He sustained injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet, but is currently in stable condition, under close medical care.

Family members say he "has no idea how he survived" and escaped while others did not. His brother, Nayan, recounts Ramesh’s focus on finding his missing brother, Ajay, who was also on the flight and is presumed to have perished.

Impact on the Ground

The aftermath extended beyond the crash site. Estimates suggest at least 28 people on the ground lost their lives, and many more were injured, as the Dreamliner struck a hostel for trainee doctors. Ahmedabad police report 265 bodies arrived at hospitals, indicating the wide-reaching devastation.

Victims Identified

Passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. Among the known fatalities were:

• A Gloucester Muslim family: Akeel Nanabawa, Hannaa Vorajee, and their daughter Sara Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw‑Meek, wellness centre operators in London

• Javed and Mariam Syed, and their two young children

• A couple from Blackburn and their son-in-law, Altafhusen Patel.

Official Response and Investigation

Both Indian and UK authorities have activated emergency protocols. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy launched crisis response teams in London and India and held an emergency government meeting. London Gatwick established a reception centre for affected families.

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, along with Boeing and Air India, has begun a formal inquiry. Boeing has pledged full cooperation.

Eyewitness Footage and Analysis

Dramatic CCTV footage corroborates the terrifying timeline—just 32 seconds airborne, followed by an enormous explosion upon impact. The footage, made public by NDTV, underscores the sudden and catastrophic nature of the accident.

Voices from the Survivors and Loved Ones

From his hospital bed, Ramesh described waking amid wreckage and fleeing the scene, where he encountered deceased passengers. A relative noted that he remained disoriented but in stable condition, covered in blood.

His remarkable survival caused a stir among relatives—his brother said the family was “utterly shocked” by the news. Indian Interior Minister Amit Shah visited Ramesh in hospital .

A National and International Tragedy

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the crash was “heart-breaking beyond words,” and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed deep sympathy for the devastated families.

What Happens Now?

• Investigation underway: Focus on mechanical performance, notably the vertical rapid descent, and flight data and voice recorders have been recovered.

• Support for affected families: Air India is providing assistance and updates, while various governments offer consular aid.

• Safety review: This tragedy, the first involving a 787 Dreamliner, prompts safety reassessment of Boeing Dreamliners and airport emergency response preparedness.

Final Thoughts

The survival of Vishwash Kumar Ramesh is nothing short of miraculous amid India’s deadliest single-plane disaster on record. As investigations continue, this incident serves as a solemn reminder of the fragility of modern aviation—and of individual resilience in the face of tragedy. While Ramesh’s recovery offers a ray of hope, the anguish felt by countless families worldwide underscores the need for rigorous safety standards and timely support for those affected.