In a tragic air disaster in Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon, an Air India flight en route to London Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of at least 204 people. Among the 242 onboard, one passenger — a British national seated near an emergency exit — miraculously survived.
The survivor has been identified as Ramesh Vishwaskumar Bucharvada, 38, who was occupying seat 11A on flight AI171. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed minutes after takeoff, plummeting into a residential area and striking a hostel building belonging to B.J. Medical College and Hospital.
Eyewitness footage captured in the immediate aftermath shows a visibly injured Ramesh walking toward an ambulance, surrounded by onlookers questioning him in Gujarati. “The plane exploded,” he can be heard saying. Asked about the other passengers, he replied, “They are back there inside.”
According to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G S Malik, the only known survivor was found at the crash site and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital. “Seat 11A was identified as the location where the survivor was seated. We cannot confirm the final death toll yet, as the aircraft went down in a densely populated area,” Malik told reporters, adding that rescue operations are ongoing.
As per data from Aerolopa, a platform tracking aircraft seat configurations, seat 11A is a right-side window seat located just behind an emergency exit in the first row of the Economy class. Its proximity to the door might have played a crucial role in Ramesh’s escape.
Flight AI171 took off at 1:39 PM carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Within seconds, the plane lost communication with air traffic control. Radar tracking showed the aircraft reached only 625 feet in altitude before the crash occurred.
Authorities have set up helplines to assist families of the victims. Indian nationals can contact 1800 5691 444, while foreign nationals are advised to call +91 8062779200 for assistance.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, and a team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to arrive at the site for further inquiry.