ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A British man has emerged as the lone survivor of an Air India crash that killed at least 200 people shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad in western India.
Vishwashkumar Ramesh, seated in 11A on the London-bound Boeing 787-8, managed to escape the wreckage with injuries, defying the odds as the only person to survive the tragedy.
His brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, told BBC News that Vishwashkumar “has no idea how he survived” and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
“It feels great seeing him (Vishwashkumar) doing well,” Nayan said.
“But he was worried about my other brother Ajay, who was also onboard.”
“We were all in shock as soon as we heard what happened, just utter shock. Speechless.
“He (Vishwashkumar) himself has no idea how he survived, how he got out of the plane. When he called us, he was just more worried about my other brother, like ‘Find Ajay, find Ajay.’ That’s all he cares about at the moment”, he added.
According to BBC, a relative named Jay told the PA news agency: “He’s got some injuries on his face. He was painted in blood. He’s doing well I think. It’s a big shock.”
Footage circulating on social media shows Mr Ramesh, bloodied but walking unaided, heading towards an ambulance while thick smoke billowed in the background. Later, he was pictured in a hospital bed meeting with Indian interior minister Amit Shah.
Indian media reported that Mr Ramesh shared his boarding pass, confirming his identity and seat number.
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He is believed to have a wife and child, and although born in India, he has lived in the UK for many years.
According to Air India, the flight had 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian onboard. The flight, AI171, had departed Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT) and was scheduled to arrive at London Gatwick at 18:25 BST.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik also confirmed to Indian news agency ANI that a single passenger survived the crash and is undergoing hospital treatment. He also told the BBC that 204 bodies had been recovered, with 41 other people being treated for injuries.
Among the confirmed dead are three British nationals named by the Gloucester Muslim Society: Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee, and their daughter Sara.
Another family from Blackburn is feared lost. Ammaarah Taju said her grandparents, Adam Taju, 72, and Hasina, 70, were onboard along with her 51-year-old uncle, Altafhusen Patel, who resides in London with his wife.
“We are clinging onto hope,” she said, in a statement marked by shock and disbelief.
The crash occurred less than a minute after takeoff when the plane went down into housing used by doctors. The cause remains unknown.
One video verified by the BBC shows the aircraft descending rapidly before a large explosion marked its devastating impact.
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, King Charles and Queen Camilla expressed their sorrow: “We are desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning.
“Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, speaking on the unfolding tragedy, said the government was still confirming details.
“We cannot confirm reports a British national has survived the crash,” he stated, adding, “Our thoughts are with the families who are going to be absolutely devastated by this awful news.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the event “heart-breaking beyond words.”
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has mobilized crisis teams in India and the UK to support affected families. London Gatwick Airport has also established a reception centre for relatives, offering information and support while closely liaising with Air India.
A post on X (formerly Twitter) from Gatwick Airport read: “British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 0207 008 5000.”
A graphic shared by the BBC indicated the location of seat 11A aboard the Boeing 787-8.
Meanwhile, the crash has continued to reverberate globally, as communities grapple with the scale of loss and await answers on what went so tragically wrong.