'I just walked out': The sole survivor of the Air India crash shares his story - NPR

'I Just Walked Out': The Sole Survivor of the Air India Crash Shares His Story

In a tragedy that claimed the lives of over 240 people, a single survivor has emerged from the wreckage of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad, India. Viswashkumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national of Indian origin, is grappling with the unimaginable – surviving when all others perished.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Ramesh recounted his miraculous escape to Indian national broadcaster DD News. "I can't believe myself how I came out of it alive, because for a while I thought I was going to die as well," he said. "But when I opened my eyes, I saw that I was alive. So I tried to open my seat belt, and I was able to get out."

The London-bound flight crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday in the northwestern Indian city of Ahmedabad, striking a medical college hostel. The incident has left the nation in mourning, with authorities reporting that casualties likely include individuals inside the building as well.

Here's what we know about Ramesh's incredible story:

• He was one of 242 people on board the ill-fated flight.
• He resides in London with his wife and child.
• He was returning to the U.K. with his brother after visiting family.
• His seat assignment was 11A, a window seat in the first exit row of standard economy.

Ramesh described the terrifying moments leading up to the crash: "After takeoff, after 5-10 seconds, it seemed like the aircraft was stuck." He added that green and white lights illuminated the cabin just before the plane collided with the building.

According to Ramesh, his section of the plane landed "on the ground floor" of the hostel, and he noticed that the emergency door had broken open upon impact. "When my door broke, I saw there was a bit of space," he told The Hindu. "So I tried to get out and I was able to get out." He clarified that he didn't need to jump; he simply "walked out."

Footage shared by Indian media depicts Ramesh, his white T-shirt stained with blood and dirt, limping towards an ambulance. He sustained a laceration on his face and a minor burn on his left hand.

Dr. Dhaval Gameti, who treated Ramesh at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, stated that he was "disoriented with multiple injuries all over his body" but "seems to be out of danger."

However, Ramesh's survival is bittersweet. His brother, Ajay, who was seated across the aisle in 11J, was among those who perished. Nayan Kumar Ramesh, another brother living in the U.K., revealed that Viswashkumar immediately called their father after the crash, expressing his survival but desperately searching for Ajay.

Adding to the remarkable nature of Ramesh's survival is his location on the plane. Contrary to the long-held belief that the rear of the aircraft is the safest, Ramesh was seated towards the front. John Hansman, an MIT professor of aeronautics and astronautics, explained that the plane likely experienced a "landing accident," where the tail made initial contact with the ground. This impact would have caused the fuselage to rotate forward and break apart, creating the opening that allowed Ramesh to escape.

Hansman emphasizes that there is no universally safest seat on an airplane, as it depends on the specific model and the nature of the crash. However, he underscores the importance of following safety protocols, such as fastening seatbelts tightly and knowing the location of emergency exits. "And as was shown in this case, getting out quickly is really important. So don't wait and grab your stuff, just … get away as quickly as you can."

Viswashkumar Ramesh's story is one of incredible resilience amidst unspeakable tragedy. While the investigation into the Air India crash continues, his survival serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's capacity to endure even the most harrowing of circumstances. It also underscores the unpredictable nature of air disasters and the crucial role of quick thinking and a bit of luck in survival.

Tags: Air India crash, plane crash, India, survivor, Ahmedabad, Boeing 787, Dreamliner, air disaster, Viswashkumar Ramesh, plane accident

Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/06/13/nx-s1-5432566/india-plane-crash-survivor