Viswash Kumar Ramesh, the lone survivor of the Air India Flight 171 disaster, shares his harrowing experience as his family grapples with the loss of loved ones.
Air India Flight 171 Tragedy: Sole Survivor's Miraculous Escape
Air India Flight 171 Tragedy: Sole Survivor's Miraculous Escape
A miracle among tragedy: 38-year-old Viswash Kumar Ramesh reflects on his survival after a devastating plane crash in India.
June 12, 2025, 5:40 p.m. ET
Viswash Kumar Ramesh, the only reported survivor of the Air India Flight 171 crash, expressed disbelief at his narrow escape moments after he emerged from the wreckage. Speaking to family members in Leicester, England, he said, “I don’t know how I am alive,” revealing the shock and confusion surrounding his survival.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 individuals, tragically went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, resulting in the loss of 241 lives, including Ramesh’s brother, Ajay. The Ramesh family home became a somber gathering place for relatives, who were stunned by the news; nearby, a doctor in India confirmed Ramesh’s condition, stating he was disoriented and sustained multiple injuries but was expected to recover.
Having been on vacation, Ramesh managed to reach out to family shortly after the incident, conducting a video call from near the crash site. “Our plane crashed,” he informed his family, still grappling with the shock of survival amidst such loss. “I can’t see my brother,” he added, showcasing the emotional toll of the situation. Following immediate medical care, he was placed on bed rest as his family processed the tragedy.
Viswash Kumar Ramesh, the only reported survivor of the Air India Flight 171 crash, expressed disbelief at his narrow escape moments after he emerged from the wreckage. Speaking to family members in Leicester, England, he said, “I don’t know how I am alive,” revealing the shock and confusion surrounding his survival.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 individuals, tragically went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, resulting in the loss of 241 lives, including Ramesh’s brother, Ajay. The Ramesh family home became a somber gathering place for relatives, who were stunned by the news; nearby, a doctor in India confirmed Ramesh’s condition, stating he was disoriented and sustained multiple injuries but was expected to recover.
Having been on vacation, Ramesh managed to reach out to family shortly after the incident, conducting a video call from near the crash site. “Our plane crashed,” he informed his family, still grappling with the shock of survival amidst such loss. “I can’t see my brother,” he added, showcasing the emotional toll of the situation. Following immediate medical care, he was placed on bed rest as his family processed the tragedy.
