The tragedy of Air India Flight 171: the only survivor shares his story
12 june 2025 в 23:37
Possibly one of the most terrifying aviation disasters in history, the crash of Air India Flight 171 resulted in numerous casualties — both among the passengers and local residents on the ground. However, one survivor emerged with a story to tell. As details of the incident unfold, many are wondering how many survivors managed to escape the disaster. Below, find out how many people survived the crash.
Air India Flight 171 crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday, June 12. There were over 240 people on board when it struck the top of a medical college hostel.
At the time of publication, the only survivor of Air India Flight 171 is Vishwakumar Ramesh, a British citizen who had come to India to visit family and was returning home to the UK. According to local news reports, he allegedly left the crash site before being hospitalized. From his hospital bed, many local news stations reported that Ramesh said the plane crashed approximately 30 seconds after takeoff.
Dr. Dhaval Gameti told the Associated Press that Ramesh was «oriented with multiple injuries all over his body… but he seems to be out of danger».
Air India stated that there were 169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian on board the flight. After the plane struck the top of the medical college hostel, at least five students were killed, and 50 others were injured, according to multiple sources.
Air India Flight 171 is considered one of the worst aviation disasters in the country in decades. It is the first Boeing 787 crash, according to the Aviation Safety Network database. However, the aircraft manufacturing company has faced several setbacks in recent years with its planes worldwide. One of the most recent incidents was the discovery of an emergency exit opening during a flight.
Boeing addressed the Air India crash in a statement from its CEO and President Kelly Ortberg, which read: «We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as to all those affected by the incident in Ahmedabad. I have spoken with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran to offer our full support, and the Boeing team is ready to support the investigation being conducted by the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau»
Air India Flight 171 crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday, June 12. There were over 240 people on board when it struck the top of a medical college hostel.
At the time of publication, the only survivor of Air India Flight 171 is Vishwakumar Ramesh, a British citizen who had come to India to visit family and was returning home to the UK. According to local news reports, he allegedly left the crash site before being hospitalized. From his hospital bed, many local news stations reported that Ramesh said the plane crashed approximately 30 seconds after takeoff.
Dr. Dhaval Gameti told the Associated Press that Ramesh was «oriented with multiple injuries all over his body… but he seems to be out of danger».
Air India stated that there were 169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian on board the flight. After the plane struck the top of the medical college hostel, at least five students were killed, and 50 others were injured, according to multiple sources.
Air India Flight 171 is considered one of the worst aviation disasters in the country in decades. It is the first Boeing 787 crash, according to the Aviation Safety Network database. However, the aircraft manufacturing company has faced several setbacks in recent years with its planes worldwide. One of the most recent incidents was the discovery of an emergency exit opening during a flight.
Boeing addressed the Air India crash in a statement from its CEO and President Kelly Ortberg, which read: «We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as to all those affected by the incident in Ahmedabad. I have spoken with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran to offer our full support, and the Boeing team is ready to support the investigation being conducted by the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau»
© Puhova Marina
