In brief
On June 12, 2025, Viswash Kumar Ramesh was the sole survivor of Air India Flight 171, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India.
June 12, 2025, 5:40 p.m. ETViswash Kumar Ramesh, the only passenger to survive the catastrophic Air India Flight 171 crash, spoken to his family in Leicester just moments after the plane wreckage incident, expressed disbelief over his survival. "I don’t know how I am alive," the 38-year-old exclaimed to his brother Nayan Ramesh, who was still grappling with grief for their lost sibling, Ajay.The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was carrying 242 passengers when it crashed; the tragedy unfolded shortly after taking off for London from Ahmedabad, India, resulting in the death of all but Viswash. Outside their Leicester home, family and friends gathered, overwhelmed with sorrow yet grateful for the miraculous news of Viswash's survival.As Nayan described the moment he heard from Viswash, who had managed to video call their father from near the wreckage, “Our plane crashed,” Viswash reported in shock, adding, “I can’t see my brother. I can’t see any other passengers.” The harrowing ordeal left him disoriented with multiple injuries, although doctors confirmed he was out of immediate danger.India's Dr. Dhaval Gameti attended to Viswash, confirming he was in stable condition after being rushed to a local hospital. “He needs bed rest and has been advised to keep his phone off,” Nayan mentioned about his brother’s current state.The stark contrast of survival amidst tragedy reverberates within the Ramesh family as they grapple with profound losses, surrounded by grieving relatives and friends, holding on to the slim glimmer of hope in Viswash's miraculous escape.
