Air India crash survivor Ramesh Viswashkumar, a 40-year-old British national, is the only passenger to survive the crash of Air India flight AI171. The disaster, which happened on June 12, claimed 241 lives—229 passengers and 12 crew—making it the world’s worst aviation tragedy in a decade.
Viswashkumar had taken seat 11A, near an emergency exit. When the plane hit the ground, he managed to escape through the exit before the wreckage was fully engulfed. Police say that quick thinking likely saved his life.
From his hospital bed, he told the Hindustan Times:
“When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.”
Footage broadcast on Indian TV showed a man limping in a bloodstained T-shirt and dark pants. Medics helped him while others crowded around, asking about the other passengers. He replied, “They’re all inside.” The man appeared to match published photos of Viswashkumar in the hospital, showing bruises and a goatee.
Flight AI171 departed Ahmedabad for London Gatwick at 1:38 PM local time. The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 crashed minutes later into a medical college hostel just beyond the airport. The area was busy with students having lunch. The wreckage killed dozens instantly and sent flames through nearby buildings.
Viswashkumar had been flying home with his brother Ajay, who sat in another row. While Ramesh survived, he continues to ask for help in locating Ajay. So far, officials have not confirmed his brother’s status.
Ajay Valgi, a cousin based in Leicester, England, told the BBC that Viswashkumar phoned the family shortly after the crash. “He only said he was fine, nothing else,” Valgi noted. The family remains anxious, having received no word about Ajay.
A relative in the UK confirmed they had spoken with Ramesh but shared no further details. Viswashkumar, who lives in Britain, is married and has a young son.
Air India confirmed the crash through a post on X (formerly Twitter). The airline said the aircraft was operating flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick with 230 passengers and 12 crew. The post acknowledged the crash and identified Viswashkumar as the sole survivor.
The tragedy has raised serious questions about flight safety and emergency response. Investigators are now working to determine what went wrong in the final moments of the flight.
For now, the Air India crash survivor remains hospitalized but stable. Medical staff continue to monitor his recovery, while Indian and British authorities coordinate to support his family.
