LONDON -- Vishwaskumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the devastating Air India plane crash, is currently recovering in a hospital following the tragedy that claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew members. The aircraft was en route to the United Kingdom from Ahmedabad, India, when it crashed into a building shortly after takeoff, also resulting in the deaths of five individuals on the ground.
In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Ramesh recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the crash. "Everything happened in front of my eyes. I thought I would die," he expressed. Ramesh described how the side of the plane where he was seated fell into the ground floor of a building. "When the door broke, I saw that space and I just jumped out," he continued. He noted that although a wall was present on the opposite side, there was an open space near him, which allowed him to escape. "I ran. I don't know how. I don't know how I came out of it alive," he said, revealing the chaos and fear that engulfed the cabin. "For a while, I thought I was about to die. But when I opened my eyes, I saw I was alive, and I opened my seat belt and got out of there.”
Tragically, Ramesh witnessed the death of an air hostess before his eyes. The crash involved an Air India airliner, specifically a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. As reported by officials, the aircraft crashed just after takeoff, leading to a total of 246 fatalities.
The victims included not only the passengers and crew on board but also five medical students who were inside the medical college and hospital where the aircraft crashed. Many others inside the building suffered injuries, some of which are serious, and are currently receiving treatment, as confirmed by hospital officials.
Ramesh’s brother, Nayankumar Ramesh, expressed his disbelief at his brother's survival. "Our plane's crashed, I don't know where my brother is. I don't see any other passengers. I don't know how I'm alive, how I exited the plane," Nayankumar told ABC News, reflecting on the fear and uncertainty that followed the incident. He admitted, "Just hearing about the crash, I'm scared to fly now, to even stay on a plane now."
The crash occurred in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat state, as stated by the city’s Police Commissioner, G.S. Malik. Notably, Boeing's Dreamliner models had not previously been involved in incidents that resulted in passenger fatalities. This particular plane had accumulated over 41,000 hours of flying time, which is typical for this type of aircraft, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics firm.
Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg issued a statement expressing condolences to the families of the victims. "Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected in Ahmedabad," he said. Ortberg also mentioned that he had spoken with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran to offer full support, and that a Boeing team is prepared to assist in the investigation led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
In light of the tragedy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow, stating he had been in contact with local officials after the crash. "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us," he wrote on social media. "It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it."
This tragic incident not only highlights the inherent risks associated with air travel but also underscores the profound impact such disasters have on communities and families. As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting those affected and understanding the causes behind this heartbreaking event.
