One survivor as 241 people killed in Air India plane crash, officials say

A British national has reportedly survived the fatal Air India plane crash that claimed the lives of at least 204 people shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, India.

The lone survivor, identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, was seated in 11A on the London-bound Boeing 787-8 flight, according to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik.

According to BBC.Com, ‘Commissioner Malik confirmed to Indian news agency ANI that Mr Ramesh is currently undergoing treatment in hospital after being rescued from the crash site’.

A video circulating on social media shows a visibly shaken Mr Ramesh walking towards an ambulance as thick smoke rises in the background.

“Mr Ramesh’s cousin, Ajay Valgi, who resides in Leicester, told the BBC that Vishwashkumar called family members to let them know he was “fine.” However, there is growing concern about the fate of his brother, also named Ajay, who was believed to be on the same flight but has not yet been located”.

“He called to say he was safe, but we still haven’t heard anything about his brother,” said Valgi.”—BBC reports.

Indian media reports suggest that Mr Ramesh shared his boarding pass online, confirming his identity and seat number. It’s understood that he has lived in the UK for several years and is married with a child.

The crash occurred less than a minute after take-off, when the aircraft plunged into accommodation used by medical professionals near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The impact led to a massive explosion, parts of which were captured in videos verified by the BBC.

Air India said flight AI171 departed at 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT) and was scheduled to land at London Gatwick at 18:25 BST. The flight carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian.

Police Commissioner Malik confirmed that, so far, 204 bodies have been recovered, while 41 others are being treated for injuries in nearby hospitals.

The tragedy has drawn widespread international attention. In a statement from Buckingham Palace, King Charles III said he and Queen Camilla were “desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning.”

“Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones,” the monarch said.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also addressed the incident in the House of Commons, confirming that British nationals were on board and that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) had activated crisis teams in both Delhi and London.

“We are working urgently with local authorities to support British nationals and their families,” he said.

London Gatwick Airport has also announced that it is setting up a reception centre to assist relatives of passengers, stating on X: “British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 0207 008 5000.”

Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing. Meanwhile, families across the UK, India, and beyond anxiously await updates as rescue and recovery operations continue.