Air India: Man Who Survived London-bound Plane Crash that Killed 260 People Speaks for First Time

• A British man has miraculously survived a devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of 241 passengers
• The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner erupted into flames after plunging into a medical college moments after takeoff
• Authorities confirmed that Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated in 11A, was the only survivor of the catastrophic disaster

A British man emerged as the sole survivor of the London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people that crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad, north-west India.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was engulfed in flames after plummeting into a medical college on Thursday afternoon, June 12, 2025, killing 241 passengers.

Air India crash: Survivor's account

Kumar Ramesh, seated in 11A, recounted the harrowing experience.

“Thirty seconds after takeoff there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly,” he told the Hindustan Times from the civil hospital in Asarwa, Ahmedabad.

The 40-year-old British national, who has lived in the UK for 20 years, was returning after visiting family in India. His younger brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, 27, expressed disbelief at the news.

“We were just shocked as soon as we heard it… He said: ‘I have no idea how I exited the plane.’”

Air India crash: Medical condition and investigation

Dr Dhaval Gameti, treating Ramesh, confirmed his condition:

“He was disorientated, with multiple injuries all over his body. But he seems to be out of danger.”

Initial reports suggested no survivors until Ahmedabad police confirmed Ramesh’s survival. Videos showed thick smoke and a fireball as the aircraft crashed into the Meghani Nagar residential area minutes after its 1.38pm (local time) takeoff.

Air India crash: Victims and global mourning

Air India confirmed that the flight had 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese passengers. Gatwick Airport prepared a reception centre for grieving relatives.

Among the deceased were British couple Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, known for their spiritual wellness centre, and Gloucester residents Akeel Nanabawa, his wife, and their four-year-old daughter.

The Gloucester Muslim Bereavement Council shared its sorrow: “During this moment of overwhelming sorrow, our hearts go out to all those left behind.”

Air India crash: International response and condolences

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the crash as “devastating.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was “heartbreaking beyond words.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla expressed their condolences:

“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.”

UK officials are now working with Indian authorities to investigate the disaster. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch confirmed its deployment to India to assist in uncovering the cause of this catastrophic event.

Air India crash survivor's photo trends

Legit.ng earlier reported that the survivor of Air India plane crash made the headlines. The aircraft crashed near the airport in Ahmedabad, a western city in India, on June 12, 2025.

The plane was headed for London’s Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom with 242 people on board. Shortly after the incident, photos of the incident circulated online.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng