🛑 Sole Survivor of Air India Crash Speaks Out: “I Have No Idea How I Got Out”

Date Published: June 16, 2025

✈️ Overview: The Crash That Shook a Nation

On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck just moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport, when Air India Flight 171, en route to London Gatwick, crashed into a medical college hostel, killing nearly all 241 passengers and crew on board.

Miraculously, one man survived.

🧍 Who Is the Sole Survivor?

➤ Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40

A British national of Indian origin
Seat number: 11A, close to an emergency exit
Suffered burn injuries to his hand
Currently receiving treatment in Ahmedabad

Speaking to investigators and close relatives, Ramesh said:

“I have no idea how I exited the plane… it was chaos. Flames, metal, smoke—I just reacted.”

💥 Inside the Final Moments

Eyewitnesses and preliminary reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) indicate:

The aircraft experienced power fluctuations minutes after takeoff.
Several on-ground observers noted flickering lights before impact.
The plane plunged into a densely populated area, setting fire to a nearby hostel and homes.

📌 Location of Crash:

Ahmedabad Medical College Student Hostel
🕙 Time: ~10:12 AM IST

🔍 Investigations Underway

What Caused the Crash?

Aviation experts are working with recovered black box data, voice recordings, and wreckage analysis.
Initial theories include:

Electrical system failure
Pilot error or miscommunication
External obstruction (e.g., bird strike or drone interference)

Former Qantas pilot David Oliver said:

“The survivor’s position by the exit, his clothing, and likely use of seatbelt may have been critical. His survival is nothing short of a miracle.”

🔗 Read expert analysis on news.com.au »

🗣️ Survivor’s Family Speaks

Ramesh’s sister told the Irish News:

“He has no memory of unbuckling his seatbelt. He recalls fire, and somehow he was outside the aircraft moments later.”

🔗 Full interview here »

🌍 Reactions and Emotional Impact

🇮🇳 Indian Government:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ramesh in hospital, stating:

“In great tragedy, his survival gives us a sliver of hope.”

🏝️ Community of Diu:

Ramesh hails from Diu Island, a small territory off India’s west coast. The island lost at least 16 residents in the crash, many of whom held dual citizenship.

🔗 Read more from WSJ on Diu’s loss »

💬 Aviation Safety: What Can Be Learned?

Experts stress several factors that could improve survivability:

Wearing flame-resistant, tight-fitting clothes
Listening to safety briefings
Knowing where the emergency exits are
Keeping your seatbelt fastened during takeoff/landing

Though extremely rare, survivors of air crashes have often been:
✅ Seated near exits
✅ Wearing belts
✅ Awake and alert during critical moments

📰 In Case You Missed It – Related Articles

🛩️ Just how DID he survive? Aviation experts weigh in – The Sun
📉 Crash timeline and analysis – BBC World
🧑‍✈️ India’s aviation history and safety trends – Al Jazeera
🔥 Photos from the crash site – CBS News

✍️ Conclusion: A Miracle Wrapped in Grief

While the world mourns the devastating loss of life in one of India’s worst aviation disasters, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh’s survival offers a glimmer of humanity amidst tragedy.

As aviation authorities continue their investigation, his story may help uncover lessons that could save lives in future emergencies.