In a heart-wrenching aviation disaster that has sent shockwaves across the globe, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner (registration VT-ANB), operating flight AI171, crashed in a fiery explosion shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon, killing 241 of the 242 souls on board.
Amidst the smoldering wreckage and despair, a glimmer of hope emerged — a single passenger miraculously survived what is now being described as one of India’s worst aviation tragedies in recent history.
The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members — including two pilots and 10 flight attendants — plunged into a densely populated residential area adjacent to a medical students’ hostel and canteen. The impact left a trail of devastation on the ground, compounding the already massive death toll.
According to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik, the sole survivor was discovered in seat 11A and was promptly rushed to a local hospital. The individual, initially identified by some reports as 38-year-old British national Ramesh Viswashkumar, is said to have narrowly escaped death by leaping through an emergency exit as the aircraft disintegrated. However, conflicting sources indicate that the survivor’s identity has not yet been officially disclosed, pending confirmation.
The ill-fated flight was carrying a diverse mix of nationalities: 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese passengers, and one Canadian. Families across continents are now grieving the sudden loss of loved ones.
Authorities have confirmed that over 200 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage, and DNA testing is underway to aid in the painstaking identification process.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with Gujarat State Governor Bhupendra Patel and mobilized disaster response teams to the scene. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu also visited the site, describing the scene as “deeply distressing” and pledging a full investigation.
In a swift humanitarian gesture, Tata Group — the parent company of Air India — has announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹1 crore (approximately $120,000) to the families of each deceased individual. The airline has also launched a dedicated helpline: 1800 5691 444, to assist grieving families with information and support.
Global leaders have reacted with sorrow and solidarity. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have all conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Indian government and the bereaved families, pledging support in any way necessary.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the crash. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, has issued a statement expressing its condolences and confirming its cooperation with Indian aviation authorities.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We are working closely with investigators to understand what went wrong,” Boeing said in a statement.
As the world watches with heavy hearts, India mourns a devastating loss — a routine flight turned into a nightmare. The miraculous survival of a single passenger stands as a rare beacon of hope amid overwhelming sorrow, as the nation demands answers and accountability in the wake of this tragic event.
PIONEER NEWS 