AHMEDABAD, India (Diya TV) — In one of the deadliest aviation tragedies in India’s recent history, at least one man has emerged alive from the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI-171.
Ramesh Vishwakumar, 38, sat in seat 11A when the Boeing 787 Dreamliner plunged into a residential compound near Meghaninagar. The aircraft crashed just minutes after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon.
“The police found one survivor in seat 11A,” said Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik. “One survivor has been found in the hospital and is under treatment.”
Flight AI-171, headed to London Gatwick, lifted off at 13:39 IST. According to data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft issued a mayday signal shortly after departure. It then stopped responding to Air Traffic Control. At around 2:00 PM IST, it crashed into the hostel and staff quarters of BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital. The crash caused a massive fire, and black smoke blanketed the area.
The aircraft carried 242 individuals — 232 passengers and 10 crew members. Among them were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani also died in the crash.
Initial reports suggested no survivors. However, rescue teams later found Vishwakumar. According to officials, he escaped through an emergency exit moments before the plane made impact. Hospital staff confirmed he is conscious and receiving treatment.
“It appears there are no survivors in the plane crash,” Vishwakumar reportedly told authorities after regaining consciousness. He also said, “Some locals would have also died,” referring to the plane’s crash into a densely populated residential area. Authorities have not yet verified the full number of ground casualties.
Police reports confirm the recovery of at least 204 bodies. Officials have not yet determined how many of the deceased were passengers and how many were local residents.
“This is a devastating moment for our nation,” said Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “I have spoken with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and directed all relevant agencies to ensure immediate relief and support.”
The Civil Aviation Ministry has set up a 24/7 Operational Control Room. Air India also launched an emergency helpline. Recovery and identification efforts continue at the site, where forensic teams are working to identify the deceased.
Investigators from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have started their formal inquiry into what caused the crash.
The skies remain heavy over Ahmedabad. In a city overwhelmed by grief, one man in seat 11A has emerged—a miracle and a mystery.
