In a tragic incident, Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner (Flight AI-171) crashed just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport. Out of 242 people onboard, 241 lost their lives. Only one passenger, Ramesh Vishwas Kumar, survived — seated on 11A. Miraculously, he walked out of the crash site on foot.

Ramesh’s Chilling Account: “I Think I Fell With the Seat”

Currently undergoing treatment at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, Ramesh said he still can’t understand how he survived. “Maybe the door broke and I fell down along with my seat. When I opened my eyes, I saw some space ahead and somehow walked out,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ramesh in the hospital and spent nearly 10 minutes with him. Ramesh said the PM inquired about his health and asked how the accident happened.

Crash Occurred Within 2 Minutes of Takeoff

The aircraft took off from Ahmedabad Airport at 1:38 PM for London but crashed at 1:40 PM into the residential buildings of the Civil Hospital doctors’ hostel. It was carrying 169 Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian national. The crash injured several resident doctors as four hostel buildings were struck.

Possible Causes of the Crash

Preliminary speculation suggests the following causes:

• Double engine failure
• Insufficient takeoff speed
• Possible overloading or weight imbalance

An official investigation is underway by DGCA and aviation experts.

A Scene of Horror and Destruction

• The aircraft broke into pieces and parts were embedded in hostel buildings.
• Most of the bodies were charred beyond recognition.
• Over 40 distressing images from the site showed bodies scattered, heavy smoke, and fire-engulfed structures.

International Casualties and Reactions

The crash claimed the lives of 60 foreign nationals, including 52 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian citizen. UK Prime Minister expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said the visuals were “horrific and disturbing.”

Survivor’s Detailed Interview (Excerpts)

Q: How did the crash happen?
Ramesh: “I have no idea how it all happened. Everything was so sudden. I thought I was going to die. When I opened my eyes, I realized I was alive. There was a broken door and I saw an open space — I just walked out.”

Q: What happened right after takeoff?
Ramesh: “Within 5–10 seconds, it felt like the plane stopped. Then green and white lights came on. As soon as the speed increased, the plane crashed.”

Q: How did you come out?
Ramesh: “My seat must’ve hit the lower floors of the building. The top of the plane caught fire. Many were trapped there. Luckily, I fell down with my seat and found a way out.”

Q: Did you walk out on your own?
Ramesh: “Yes. I walked out by myself after the crash.”

At a Glance: Key Crash Facts

This accident marks one of the darkest chapters in India’s aviation history. A formal investigation is underway, and the entire nation stands in shock. Ramesh’s survival is nothing short of a miracle.