![A damaged building in the Iranian capital, Tehran, following an Israeli attack, 13 June 2025. [Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images]](https://i0.wp.com/m10news.com/wp-content/uploads/new-1-17858213180574079211.png?fit=300%2C171&ssl=1 "Israel Launches Massive Airstrikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites; Tehran Calls It ‘Act of War’")
A British man is thought to be the only passenger to have survived the devastating crash of Air India flight AI171, which killed more than 200 people shortly after take-off in western India.
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, was seated in 11A on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner when it went down near Ahmedabad airport on Wednesday, just moments after departing for London Gatwick.
According to the Hindustan Times, Ramesh is now in the hospital with injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet, but remains conscious and able to speak to family. His brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, 45, is feared to be among the dead.
“I Have No Idea How I Got Out”
Speaking to reporters from the hospital, Ramesh said: “Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed.
It all happened so quickly.”
He reportedly managed to exit the burning wreckage but is still in shock. His brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, 27, told M10News: “We’re devastated. He said he has no idea how he exited the plane.”
A cousin, Jay, added that Vishwash spoke to their father after the crash, desperately asking: “Where’s Ajay?”
The family, originally from Leicester, had been in India for a short visit. Vishwash was returning to the UK alongside his brother when disaster struck.
Last Signal at 625 Feet
Flight AI171 took off at 1.38 pm local time and lost contact with radar just moments later at an altitude of 625 feet, according to aviation tracker Flightradar24.
A mayday call was issued by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of flight experience, before the plane ceased all communication. It crashed into an area near accommodation for medical students, who are now feared to be among the victims.
Also on board were co-pilot Clive Kundar and 10 crew members.
International Casualties and Investigations
The plane was carrying 242 people, including 53 British nationals, 169 Indians, seven Portuguese citizens and one Canadian.
Photos from the crash site show thick black smoke and fierce flames engulfing the area near Ahmedabad’s airport—the largest city in Gujarat state.
Air India confirmed the incident, saying in a statement: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, June 12, 2025.”
The aircraft’s black box has since been recovered by the Airports Authority of India and is expected to be critical in determining the cause of the crash.
Live Coverage on M10News
Stay with M10News.com for live updates, survivor interviews, and breaking developments from the Air India crash investigation.
By F. Dayo Olusola | M10News.com | Category: World|12 June 2025
