Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash on June 12, 2025, shared his harrowing experience.
Seated near the emergency exit in seat 11A, Ramesh recalled the terrifying moments of the crash, saying, “I thought I would die,” as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner plummeted shortly after takeoff.
The aircraft crashed into a medical college building in Ahmedabad, and Ramesh managed to escape through a broken door.
Amidst flames and debris, he crawled his way to safety, while his brother, Ajaykumar Ramesh, who was seated nearby, did not survive.
Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national of Indian origin, sustained chest and facial injuries but is recovering in the hospital.
He vividly remembered the plane’s sudden loss of altitude, describing how everything unfolded in front of his eyes.
The crash killed 241 people on board and at least 28 individuals on the ground.
Investigations are underway to determine the cause, with possibilities including wing flap malfunction, a bird strike, or pilot error.
This incident marks the first fatal crash involving the Boeing 787 model.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ramesh in the hospital, offering condolences and support.
The international community has also expressed sympathy, recognizing the profound impact of the tragedy. 🕊️
