Air India Crash in Ahmedabad: British Man Emerges as Sole Survivor
| 2025-06-13
British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh was visiting family in India and was returning to the UK with his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh.
A British national is the only survivor of an Air India crash in Ahmedabad that killed 241 people. Investigations are underway into the cause.
A British man has been confirmed as the only survivor of a devastating Air India plane crash in western India that killed 241 people, including passengers and crew.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was operating Air India flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick when it crashed shortly after take-off on Thursday afternoon, bursting into flames and destroying much of the aircraft.
According to authorities, the aircraft departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT) with 242 people on board, including 12 crew members. Moments after take-off, the plane came down near accommodation used by medical staff, resulting in significant casualties on the ground as well.
Survivor identified as British national
Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British citizen originally from India, has been identified as the sole survivor. He was seated in 11A when the crash occurred. Ramesh, who sustained injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet, is recovering in Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.
“Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly,” he told local reporters from his hospital bed.
Ramesh had travelled to India to visit family and was returning to the UK along with his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, who remains unaccounted for. "When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance," he said.
Footage verified by the BBC showed Mr Ramesh walking away from the wreckage towards an ambulance, with smoke rising in the background. He was later seen in hospital being visited by Indian Interior Minister Amit Shah.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed the account, stating: “The police found one survivor in seat 11A. He is currently under treatment.”
Passengers from multiple nations
Air India said that among the 230 passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. The crash has deeply affected communities in both India and the United Kingdom.
Several passengers have since been identified. According to the Gloucester Muslim Society, Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee, and their daughter Sara were among the victims. London-based couple Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, known for running a spiritual wellness centre, are also believed to have been on board.
Another family from Blackburn is reportedly among those affected. Ammaarah Taju, the granddaughter of Adam and Hasina Taju, said the family is "clinging onto hope" that they may still be alive. The couple were travelling with their son-in-law, Altafhusen Patel, who resides in London.
International response
The tragedy has prompted condolences from leaders across nations. In a statement, King Charles said he and Queen Camilla were "desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad" and expressed their “deepest possible sympathy” to those affected across many countries.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it was “awful news” and added that the government was working to confirm the details. "Families will be absolutely devastated," he said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “heart-breaking beyond words.” The UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that crisis response teams have been deployed both in India and the UK.
A reception centre for relatives has been established at London Gatwick Airport, where the flight was expected to arrive at 18:25 BST. British nationals requiring assistance have been advised to call the UK government’s emergency helpline.
Investigation underway
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the crash. The aircraft reportedly lost altitude shortly after departure and descended rapidly before crashing and erupting in flames.
A video shared on social media and verified by the BBC showed the plane descending sharply before a large explosion on impact.
Indian aviation authorities, in coordination with Air India and international experts, are conducting a full investigation. It is unclear whether a mechanical failure, human error, or external factor contributed to the incident.
The Boeing 787-8 involved in the crash was part of Air India’s long-haul fleet and had a strong operational history. Boeing has not commented publicly on the incident at this time.
Context: A major blow to Indian aviation
The crash marks one of the deadliest air disasters involving an Indian airline in recent years. While India’s aviation sector has seen rapid growth and improved safety standards, the incident has cast a shadow over ongoing expansion plans.
Air India, recently privatised and undergoing a major restructuring under the Tata Group, is expected to face scrutiny over its maintenance and safety procedures. The airline has been expanding international routes and adding to its long-haul fleet, including recent orders for new aircraft from Boeing and Airbus.
The coming days will likely bring increased focus on airline safety practices, aviation regulation in India, and cross-border crisis coordination between New Delhi and London.
Authorities in both countries continue to work to identify victims and provide support to affected families. The full toll of the tragedy, both in terms of human loss and emotional impact, is only just beginning to emerge.
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