A major tragedy struck on Sunday when an Air India flight to London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing at least 240 people. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, went down in the Meghani Nagar neighborhood just five minutes after departure.
Amazingly, one man survived. His name is Vishwashkumar Ramesh, and he was found near the crash site after being thrown from the plane. He walked to a nearby ambulance for help, according to medics.
Dr. Dhaval Gameti at Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital said Ramesh had many injuries but was no longer in danger. Another medic shared that Ramesh said the plane began to descend soon after takeoff and suddenly split in two before exploding. Ramesh’s survival is considered a miracle.
Videos on Indian TV showed Ramesh, bloodied but walking away from the wreckage, while others rushed to help. He told a local newspaper that he saw bodies and plane parts all around him. “I was scared. I stood up and ran,” he said.
The crashed aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. This was the first-ever crash involving this type of plane, which has been in service since 2009. India’s Civil Aviation Minister said rescue teams acted quickly, and the airline has set up support for families.
Air India’s chairman offered condolences, saying the airline is focusing on helping those affected by the disaster. Investigations into what caused the crash are continuing.
