Air India Flight 171 Crash: One Survivor Among 242 Onboard – The Story of Viswash Kumar Ramesh
In what has been described as one of the most devastating aviation tragedies in India’s recent history, Air India Flight 171 crashed near Ahmedabad on Thursday, claiming the lives of 241 individuals on board. In the midst of this overwhelming loss, one miraculous survival story has emerged — that of 40-year-old British citizen Viswash Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the crash that otherwise left no room for hope.
A Routine Journey Turns Tragic
Air India Flight 171 was en route to London from Mumbai, making a scheduled stop in Ahmedabad for refueling and crew change. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, took off with 242 people on board — 231 passengers and 11 crew members. Among the passengers were tourists, students, professionals, and families returning home after vacationing in India.
Shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, at approximately 8:17 AM local time, the aircraft began to experience technical issues, according to preliminary air traffic control reports. Within minutes, the plane lost altitude rapidly and crashed into a field located just 13 kilometers from the airport.
Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene — a loud explosion followed by black smoke billowing into the sky. Rescue workers rushed to the site, but the inferno that engulfed the wreckage made recovery efforts extremely challenging.
The Lone Survivor: Viswash Kumar Ramesh
Amid the wreckage and heartbreak, one man emerged alive — Viswash Kumar Ramesh. According to initial police and emergency responder reports, Viswash had been seated near an emergency exit. When the aircraft began to spiral out of control, his seat placement and swift action likely saved his life.
“Everything happened in seconds,” Viswash reportedly told investigators from his hospital bed. “The plane started shaking violently, and there was a loud bang. I knew something was wrong. I unbuckled my seatbelt and saw the emergency exit blown open. I didn’t think — I just jumped.”
He sustained multiple injuries, including fractures in his leg and arm, but doctors at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital confirmed that his condition is stable. He is currently under constant medical observation and trauma counseling.
A Heartbreaking Loss: His Brother Among the Victims
Adding to the emotional weight of this incident is the fact that Viswash’s elder brother, 44-year-old Ajay Kumar Ramesh, was also on the flight — and did not survive. The two siblings had been visiting family in India and were returning to the United Kingdom together, where they both lived and worked.
Officials from Air India and the UK High Commission have verified that both names were listed on the flight manifest. Viswash, who is still coping with the emotional toll of the disaster, was informed of his brother’s death a day after the incident.
“My brother was right next to me,” he whispered during a brief conversation with a local reporter. “He didn’t make it. I can’t believe I’m the only one who did.”
A Visit from the Prime Minister
As the nation reeled from the shock of the crash, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a surprise visit to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where Viswash was being treated. Footage from local news channels showed the Prime Minister sitting beside the injured passenger, holding his hand and offering words of comfort.
Modi, visibly emotional, praised Viswash for his courage and strength during such a tragic moment. He also addressed the hospital staff and emergency response teams, thanking them for their tireless work in rescuing and caring for the victims.
“The entire nation stands with you,” the Prime Minister said, speaking to Viswash. “Your survival is nothing short of a miracle.”
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Investigation Underway
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest the possibility of a catastrophic engine failure, though mechanical malfunction or pilot error has not been ruled out.
Flight data and cockpit voice recorders — commonly known as “black boxes” — were recovered from the wreckage late Friday evening. These devices have been sent to New Delhi for detailed forensic analysis. An official from DGCA stated that it could take several weeks before conclusive findings are made public.
Air India, in a press statement, confirmed that the aircraft was last inspected two weeks ago and had cleared all safety protocols. “This aircraft had no reported issues in the days leading up to the crash. We are cooperating fully with authorities and will support all efforts to uncover the truth,” the airline said.Miracle
International Reactions and Mourning
The news of the crash has triggered an outpouring of grief not only across India but also globally. Among the victims were 62 British nationals, 19 citizens of the United States, 11 Canadians, and travelers from over a dozen countries including Australia, Germany, and Saudi Arabia.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a statement offering condolences to the families of those who died, including the Ramesh family. “Our thoughts are with the survivors and the families affected by this horrific tragedy. We are working with Indian authorities to ensure that support and assistance are provided,” Sunak said.
US President Joe Biden also expressed deep sorrow, calling it a “terrible loss of life” and offering any resources needed for investigation or recovery.Miracle
Who Was Onboard? Stories Emerging
Among those who perished were a newlywed couple returning from their honeymoon, a group of university students headed back to London after a semester in India, and an elderly couple traveling for medical treatment. Personal stories of those on board are beginning to emerge, painting a picture of everyday lives cut tragically short.Miracle
One of the victims, Rafiq Ansari, a 57-year-old engineer from Birmingham, was returning to the UK after attending his daughter’s wedding in Delhi. His son, who spoke to the media, said: “We were all waiting at Heathrow for him. Instead, we got the call no one ever wants to get.”Miracle
Safety Concerns Over Boeing 787 Dreamliner
The aircraft involved in the crash was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, one of the most commonly used long-haul jets in the world. While generally considered safe, this model has had its share of safety concerns in the past.Miracle
Aviation expert Rajiv Mehta told NDTV that the Dreamliner has previously experienced technical glitches, especially related to its battery systems and electrical failures. “This particular aircraft had not been flagged, but there are known concerns about long-term wear and tear. Regular checks are essential.”Miracle
The crash is likely to renew scrutiny of Air India’s fleet maintenance policies, especially given the recent incidents involving emergency landings and mid-flight engine troubles.Miracle
Air India’s Response and Compensation
Air India has issued a statement expressing deep condolences to the families of the victims and promising full cooperation with investigators. “We mourn the tragic loss of lives in the crash of Flight 171. We are doing everything we can to support the families of the deceased and the lone survivor.”
The airline has also announced compensation packages. Families of each deceased passenger will receive ₹1 crore (approximately $120,000), while Viswash Kumar Ramesh will receive medical assistance and ₹2 crore for psychological support and rehabilitation.
Critics, however, argue that monetary compensation cannot replace human life, and are demanding long-term policy changes to improve aviation safety.
Public Reaction and National Mourning
India observed a one-day national mourning on Friday, with flags flown at half-mast and prayers held across the country. A public memorial is being planned in Ahmedabad, where the crash occurred.
Social media platforms were flooded with tributes to the victims, and hashtags like #AirIndia171 and #ViswashSurvivor began trending.Miracle
“We are heartbroken, but we are also inspired by the courage of one man who defied all odds,” tweeted Indian journalist Barkha Dutt.Miracle
The Road to Recovery for Viswash Kumar Ramesh
For Viswash, the road ahead will be long and difficult. Physically, he has multiple injuries that will take months to heal. Psychologically, he must cope with the trauma of surviving a plane crash and losing his brother in the process.Miracle
Doctors at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital have brought in specialists in trauma therapy and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to help him recover.Miracle
“He is strong, but the emotional impact is heavy,” one of the doctors said. “Survivor’s guilt is a real issue in cases like this.”Miracle
A Life Forever Changed
Viswash’s story is now being shared around the world — a testament to survival, quick thinking, and perhaps fate. His family in the UK has flown to India to be by his side, and a GoFundMe page set up to support his recovery has already raised over £100,000 in less than 24 hours.Miracle
In one of his few media interactions since the crash, Viswash simply said, “I don’t know why I lived and my brother didn’t. But I will try to live for both of us now.”Miracle
Conclusion
The crash of Air India Flight 171 will be remembered as one of the darkest days in Indian aviation history. While hundreds of families mourn their unimaginable loss, the survival of Viswash Kumar Ramesh stands out as a story of resilience and fateMiracle.
As investigations continue and families begin to grieve and heal, this tragedy reminds the world of how fragile life can be — and how, in the bleakest of moments, hope can still survive.
