In a story that defies all odds, a single survivor emerged from the bleak aftermath of Air India Flight 171 – a disaster that tragically took the lives of more than 241 individuals.
This was one of the gravest aviation tragedies in India’s recent history. The Air India flight carried 242 souls, including a full crew, when it crashed after taking off from Ahmedabad on June 12.
The plane, identified as a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was on its way to London. It took flight at 1:38 p.m. local time but, distressingly, collided with a medical college just moments after leaving Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
The scene at the crash site was heartbreaking: aircraft debris scattered across rooftops, burnt schoolrooms, and emotional scenes as charred bodies were recovered from the streets. Among the remnants, a vast section of the plane’s tail was lodged into the college building.
Initial Reports of No Survivors
This catastrophe unfolded in mere seconds, leaving a lasting impact.
Initial reports by Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik stated, “It appears there are no survivors in the plane crash,” confirming 204 bodies had been retrieved at the time.
He also mentioned, given the crash occurred in a heavily populated residential zone near various offices, “some local residents might also have perished.”
“We are still ascertaining the exact number of casualties,” Malik added.
A Sole Survivor Found
In an unexpected and emotional turn, Malik later revealed that one person had been discovered alive amid the devastation.
“My earlier statement was misquoted,” he clarified to local media. “One individual has been found alive. He is being treated in a hospital where doctors are keeping a close eye on his condition.”
A breaking announcement revealed Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, was the fortunate survivor. He and his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, were returning to London after visiting family. Sadly, their journey ended in chaos.
Witness to a Tragedy
Now recuperating in a local hospital’s general ward, Vishwas holds onto his life and memories with deep gratitude. Despite his injuries and shock, he is very much alive.
“The plane crashed noisily just thirty seconds after takeoff,” Vishwas recounted, still clutching his boarding pass. “Everything occurred so swiftly.”
A midst the wrecked plane, surrounded by the remains of his fellow passengers, he moved with courage.
“When I realized, I saw bodies surrounding me. I panicked, stood up, and ran,” he explained. “The wreckage lay all around me when someone pulled me swiftly into an ambulance to bring me here.”
Now, a desperate Vishwas waits for any word of his missing brother: “He was with me. I haven’t found him yet. Please help me locate him,” he implored.
Last Memories Shared
Among those lost was a couple from London, Jamie Greenlaw-Meek and his husband, Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, whose names appeared on the flight manifest.
Just before they boarded their ill-fated flight, Jamie shared an Instagram story – possibly his last – showcasing the joy and normalcy they felt at that moment.
In the now widely-shared video, Fiongal is all smiles, cherishing their memories before they embarked on their journey.
“At the airport, gearing up for a ten-hour journey back to London,” Fiongal happily announced, documenting the final moments before the flight took off.
He light-heartedly added reflections on their time in India, joking, “The lesson? Keep your cool with your partner.”
With a good-hearted laugh, Fiongal signed off happily, sending a kiss to followers, as they boarded for what was unknowingly their last flight.
As investigations continue and families brace for what lies ahead, the perseverance of Vishwas Kumar Ramesh serves as a whisper of hope that miracles can emerge amidst the greatest trials.
Our compassion goes out to all affected by this tragedy. Let’s hold space for the families and friends of those who perished, sharing this story to hear from others too.
