Miracle Survivor: British National of Indian Origin Walks Away from Fatal Air India Crash in Ahmedabad

In a tragic turn of events that claimed numerous lives, a British national of Indian origin, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, emerged as the sole survivor of the devastating Air India crash near Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

The ill-fated flight, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, was carrying passengers of Indian, British, Canadian, and Portuguese nationalities. Thirty seconds after takeoff, a loud noise was heard, followed by the immediate crash of the aircraft. The incident unfolded in a matter of moments, according to Mr. Ramesh, who was seated in seat 11A—an emergency exit row near the left wing.

“It all happened so quickly,” Mr. Ramesh told the Hindustan Times. “I never thought I would make it.”

Miraculously, he survived the crash, opening his eyes amidst the wreckage. Still strapped into his seat, he managed to unbuckle himself and found a narrow path to safety. He walked away from the crash site and was later transported back to the airport by ambulance.

Mr. Ramesh had been in India visiting family and was returning to the UK with his brother, who was seated in the first row. The fate of his brother was uncertain in the immediate aftermath, but officials have since confirmed that he did not survive the crash.

Speaking to reporters in the UK, Vishwash’s cousin Ajay said the survivor was able to call his family and inform them he was safe. “The family is devastated,” he said, referring to the loss of Vishwash’s brother and the other passengers.

At Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where Mr. Ramesh is being treated, doctors have confirmed that his condition is stable. “He has some blood in the images, but he’s not very badly injured. He is very comfortable and under strict observation, no issues,” said Dr. Rajnish Patel, professor and head of surgery.

Shivani Raja, Member of Parliament for Leicester East, acknowledged the crash and expressed condolences in an interview with CNN’s Max Foster on Thursday. “It’s nothing short of a miracle,” she said. “I have reached out to the family and I’m choosing to respect their privacy at this trying time. But as you may have picked up … one of his brothers was also on that flight who sadly didn’t survive.”

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by aviation authorities. The incident has sent shockwaves through communities both in India and abroad, especially among the diaspora connected to those on board.

Mr. Ramesh is expected to be released from hospital within the next few days.