A catastrophic accident struck Air India Flight AI171 shortly after it took off from Ahmedabad Airport, resulting in the deaths of 270 people and leaving just one survivor.
The lone survivor, 40-year-old British citizen Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, has now shared his chilling experience, providing a vivid insight into the terrifying moments during the crash of the flight bound for London Gatwick.
The ill-fated flight departed Ahmedabad on June 12 at 6:25 p.m. local time. Moments after liftoff, the plane crashed into a residential area near the airport, causing widespread devastation.
Authorities confirmed that Ramesh, who was seated in 11A near the emergency exit, was the only person found alive amid the wreckage. Police Commissioner GS Malik said, “We located one survivor who is currently receiving medical care. The exact death toll is still being finalized given the densely populated crash site.”
Video footage showing Ramesh walking away from the crash scene has circulated widely. In an interview with Hindustan Times, he recounted, “About thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud bang, and suddenly the plane was falling. Everything happened so quickly.”
Ramesh described the horrifying aftermath: “When I regained consciousness, there were bodies everywhere. I was terrified but managed to get up and run through the debris. Someone helped me onto an ambulance and rushed me to the hospital.”
He also spoke of his brother Ajay, who was seated elsewhere on the plane and tragically did not survive. “The plane seemed to hover for a moment, then the lights flickered green and white. It wasn’t gaining altitude—it was just gliding until we crashed into a building and exploded,” Ramesh said.
“I witnessed people losing their lives right next to me—flight attendants and passengers alike,” he added.
“I was lucky my side of the plane wasn’t facing the hostel nearby. At first, I thought I had died, but then I noticed a gap in the fuselage and escaped by jumping out.”
Police officer Vidhi Chaudhary confirmed that Ramesh escaped through the emergency exit.
Investigators are currently probing the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports from India’s aviation authority revealed that the flight sent a mayday call before losing contact. The cockpit’s last transmission reportedly stated: “Mayday… no thrust, losing power, unable to lift.”
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder were the pilots on duty.
Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran expressed his condolences, stating, “It is with profound sadness that we confirm the tragic accident involving flight AI171. Our heartfelt sympathies are with the families and friends affected by this unimaginable loss.”
The devastating loss of Air India Flight AI171 has shaken many, with the sole survivor Vishwash Kumar Ramesh’s account revealing the brutal reality of the crash. As authorities work to determine the exact cause, grieving families and a global audience await answers. Air India and aviation officials continue to offer support while emphasizing the need for accountability and improved safety measures in the future.