Ahmedabad Plane Crash: A Sole Survivor's Harrowing Tale
Tragic Incident Claims Lives
On Thursday, a devastating crash involving an Air India flight in Ahmedabad resulted in the loss of 241 lives, comprising both passengers and crew members. Out of the 242 individuals aboard, only one person managed to survive this tragic event. The flight AI-171, which was en route to London, took off at 1:17 PM but began its descent shortly after. The aircraft ultimately crashed into the BJ Medical College and Hospital, leading to additional casualties on the ground. Air India has confirmed the fatalities, with the lone survivor and several injured, including MBBS students, currently receiving medical attention at Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad.
Meet Ramesh Vishwas Kumar
Ramesh Vishwas Kumar, the sole survivor of the AI-171 crash, is a British national originally from Daman and Diu. He is presently hospitalized in Ward C7 of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where he is kept in a specially designated room for his safety and privacy. Ramesh suffered injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet. He recounted that approximately 30 seconds after takeoff, a loud noise was heard before the plane went down.
Having recently traveled to India to visit family, Ramesh was on his way back to the UK with his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, when the incident occurred. He has resided in London for the past two decades with his wife and child.
In his own words, Ramesh described the chaos: "When I woke up, there were bodies surrounding me. I was terrified. I managed to get up and ran. Debris from the plane was everywhere. Someone helped me into an ambulance, and I was taken to the hospital," as reported by a media outlet.
The Gujarat Police Crime Branch is actively questioning him, and the Deputy Collector of Daman and Diu visited him late at night. Officials from the British Consulate have also reached out to the only survivor.
Prime Minister's Visit
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Ramesh Vishwas Kumar to offer his support.
Social Media Reaction
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets the lone survivor of yesterday's #AirIndiaPlaneCrash.
241 of 242 who were onboard the plane lost their lives.
(Source – DD) pic.twitter.com/tVXoscmOPE
— Media Channel (@MediaChannel) June 13, 2025