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Overview of the Crash

Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed into a residential area shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025. Of the 242 passengers and crew onboard, only one person survived. Emergency teams battled thick smoke and scattered wreckage as they searched for survivors.

The Lucky Survivor: Vishwashkumar Ramesh

Name: Vishwashkumar Ramesh
Age: 40
Nationality: British (of Indian origin)
Seat: 11A (bulkhead row)

Vishwashkumar Ramesh emerged from the wreckage, limping and covered in debris. Despite cuts and a fractured leg, he managed to pull himself free and stagger to safety before collapsing at the roadside.

A Miraculous Escape

“There were bodies all around me,” Ramesh recalled in a brief statement to reporters. Investigators believe that his seat in the bulkhead row absorbed much of the impact, perhaps sparing him from fatal injuries. His quick thinking and determination to crawl away from the fuselage likely saved his life.

Personal Loss Amid the Miracle

Tragically, Ramesh’s younger brother was seated just a few rows away and did not survive. The family, based in Leicester, England, confirmed that Vishwashkumar called home immediately after being rescued, offering words of comfort even as they mourned their other son.

Police Commissioner G.S. Malik described Vishwashkumar’s ordeal as “an unthinkable tragedy intertwined with an extraordinary escape,” and said the survivor is likely to face long-term emotional challenges.

Medical Treatment & Recovery

Airlifted to Ahmedabad Trauma Center, Ramesh underwent surgery for a compound fracture in his left leg and received cuts and burn treatment. Hospital spokesperson Dr. Anjali Patel reported that:

• He is in stable condition.
• Full physical recovery is expected, though rehabilitation will take several weeks.
• Psychological support has been arranged to address potential survivor’s guilt and trauma.

Ongoing Investigation

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has retrieved both flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders. Preliminary data suggests a possible engine failure followed by loss of control at low altitude. A full mechanical and procedural review is underway to determine root causes and recommend safety improvements for the Boeing 787 fleet.

Global Reaction

Condolences poured in from the UK, India, and around the world. King Charles II and Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Sir Keir Starmer expressed sorrow for the victims and praised the rescue teams. Meanwhile, Vishwashkumar’s survival is being hailed as a testament to human resilience and sheer luck.

“Every breath feels like a gift,” Ramesh said. “But my heart breaks for those who didn’t get the chance.”