New Delhi: In a tragic aviation disaster that took place in Ahmedabad (Gujarat) yesterday, June 12,2025, in which Air India Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed moments after take-off, claiming the lives of 241 passengers and crew. Amid the devastation, one man—Ramesh Vishwakumar Bucharwada—miraculously survived, becoming the only known survivor of the horrific accident.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 PM on Thursday, June 12,2025. Just one minute after departure, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control. Radar data indicates that the plane crashed at an altitude of only 625 feet, plummeting into the B.J. Medical College and Hospital hostel near the airport.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as emergency crews rushed to the wreckage. Amid the smoke and debris, Ramesh Bucharwada, seated in 11A—a window seat near the emergency exit—was seen stumbling away from the crash site, injured but alive. A viral video captured the moment he walked toward an ambulance, dazed but conscious, as bystanders asked about the fate of others on board.
Vishwashkumar Ramesh, reportedly the sole survivor of the devastating Air India plane crash, walked away with only a few scratches—an astonishing outcome amid overwhelming tragedy.
Pray that God grants him peace, healing, and strength in the days ahead. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/uXS8JgUyx0
— CatholicVote (@CatholicVote) June 12, 2025
The Lucky Seat: How 11A Played a Crucial Role in Survival
Investigators are now examining how Ramesh, the sole survivor, managed to escape when all others perished. His seat, 11A, was located in the first row of economy class, two rows ahead of the wing and adjacent to an emergency exit. Aviation experts suggest that this position may have given him a critical advantage in the split-second window of survival.
According to preliminary reports, Ramesh was not wearing his seatbelt when the plane began its fatal descent. Moments before impact, the crew reportedly issued emergency instructions, and he remained alert. As the aircraft slammed into the ground, he was thrown forward, allowing him to spot a gap in the fuselage. Acting swiftly, he jumped through the opening just before the plane burst into flames.
While he sustained injuries, his quick reaction and proximity to an exit likely saved his life. In contrast, most passengers were either trapped in their seats or unable to reach an escape route before the fire engulfed the wreckage.
Investigation Underway as Questions Mount
Authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Ahmedabad Police, have launched a full-scale investigation. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner confirmed 204 bodies recovered so far, with the death toll expected to rise.
Aviation safety experts are analyzing black box data to determine whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or external factors caused the crash.
