Roommates, heartbreak unfolded when Air India Flight 171 crashed just seconds after takeoff in Ahmedabad, killing 241 people on board. Out of 242 passengers, only one man—Viswashkumar Ramesh—survived. Air India and their parent company, The Tata Group, have since spoken out following the tragedy, offering condolences and confirming that families of the victims will be compensated as the investigation continues.
Sole Survivor Of The Crash Speaks Out
Viswashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, had been flying back home to London with his brother, Ajay, after a family visit. The 40-year-old was in seat 11A, right by the window near the exit row — and somehow, made it out of the tragic crash.
“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,” Ramesh told DD News. “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.”
According to videos, Ramesh can be seen limping from the wreck, bloodied and bandaged, but breathing. Tragically, his brother — who was sitting just across the aisle — didn’t make it. Ramesh said after the crash, he saw the emergency door was broken, adding:
“When my door broke, I saw there was a bit of space,” he said. “So I tried to get out and I was able to get out.”
Moments later, he walked right out through the debris. His other brother, Nayan, said the first thing Ramesh did was call home in tears, saying, “Find Ajay.”
Victims Families To Receive A Check
The Tata Group, owner of Air India, has broken their silence after the heartbreaking crash of Flight 171. In a statement, Tata Group Chairman, N Chandrasekaran, said they’re “deeply anguished” and will support families of the accident. Additionally, each victim’s family will receive ₹1 crore (just under $116,000 USD), and full medical support will be provided for those injured. And, they also pledged to help rebuild the medical college hostel that the plane crashed into.
“With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight, AI 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event,” wrote N Chandrasekaran.
Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, has also spoken out. In a message shared to social media, Wilson claims that their top priority is supporting the victims’ families. Additionally, Wilson added that Air India is ensuring emergency teams have everything they need and support centers are set up in various sites. He also confirmed that Air India is “committed to full cooperation” regarding the crash investigation.
More Details Emerge On The Crash
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London, lost signal approximately 30 seconds after departure and crashed into a medical college hostel, resulting in the deaths of 241 people on board and at least 40 individuals on the ground.
“After takeoff, after 5-10 seconds, it seemed like the aircraft was stuck,” survivor Ramesh said, noting that green and white lights came on inside the plane before the crash.
The crash is the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a formal investigation to determine the cause of the disaster. A black box has been recovered from a rooftop near the crash site, aiding in the ongoing investigation. Authorities are also undertaking DNA testing to identify the victims, who were reportedly burned beyond recognition. However, it is alleged that so far, only six could possibly be returned to their families.
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