British Passenger Walks Away from Deadly Air India Crash as Lone Survivor
In a staggering tale of survival, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national, has emerged as the sole survivor of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, western India, which killed at least 204 people.
The Boeing 787-8, bound for London Gatwick, crashed just moments after takeoff. Ramesh, seated in 11A, was found alive amidst the wreckage and is currently being treated in hospital.
According to his brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, Vishwashkumar “has no idea how he survived” the disaster. “When he called us, all he could say was, ‘Find Ajay, find Ajay,’” referring to their other brother who was also on the flight and remains missing.
👥 Victim Toll and Passengers
Air India confirmed there were 230 people on board, including:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 Britons
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- 1 Canadian
Authorities also report that 41 people on the ground were injured as the plane slammed into accommodation for medical staff near the airport.
📹 Survivor Footage and Eyewitness Accounts
Videos shared on social media show Vishwashkumar, bloodied and dazed, walking toward an ambulance as smoke billows from the crash site. He was later filmed meeting Indian Interior Minister Amit Shah in a hospital bed, visibly shaken but stable.
A cousin, Jay, told PA news agency: “He was covered in blood… it’s a miracle.”
🧾 Tragic Losses and Missing Persons
Among the victims are:
- Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee, and daughter Sara – confirmed by Gloucester Muslim Society
- Spiritual couple Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek from London, founders of the Wellness Foundry
- Adam Taju (72), wife Hasina (70), and their son-in-law Altafhusen Patel (51) – their family is “clinging onto hope”
✈️ Flight and Crash Details
Air India flight AI171 departed Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT) and was scheduled to arrive at London Gatwick by 18:25 BST.
Less than a minute into the flight, the aircraft crashed into residential quarters used by doctors. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. One video verified by the BBC captured the jet descending rapidly before a fiery explosion.
🇬🇧 Global Response
King Charles III released a statement saying he and Queen Camilla were “desperately shocked” by the tragedy. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the government’s difficulty confirming survivor reports but offered “thoughts and prayers” to grieving families.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has activated crisis teams in both India and the UK to assist affected families. London Gatwick Airport has opened a reception centre for relatives.
British nationals needing consular help are advised to call 0207 008 5000.
