Ahmedabad, 12 June 2025 – In a tragic and devastating turn of events, Air India Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing at least 204 people, according to official sources. In a miraculous twist of fate, 38-year-old British national Ramesh Vishwaskumar Bucharvada, seated in 11A, has emerged as the sole confirmed survivor of the catastrophic crash.
Survivor Identified as Seat 11A Occupant
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed the survival of one passenger during a press briefing:
“The police found one survivor in seat 11A. He is undergoing treatment in the hospital. We cannot comment on the final death toll yet, as rescue efforts are still underway.”
According to Aerolopa, a platform that maps airline seating configurations, seat 11A on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is a window seat in the first row of Economy Class, located just behind the emergency exit door. Experts suggest its proximity to the emergency exit may have played a crucial role in Ramesh’s escape from the burning wreckage.
Eyewitness Video: “The Plane Exploded”
A disturbing video captured moments after the crash shows a visibly injured Ramesh walking towards an ambulance, surrounded by shocked onlookers. Speaking in Gujarati, he says:
“The plane exploded.”
When questioned about other passengers, he replies grimly:
“They are back there inside [at the crash site].”
His response underscores the sheer devastation left in the crash’s wake.
Crash Details: What Happened?
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Flight AI171 departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 PM local time.
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The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, lost radar contact within one minute of takeoff.
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Radar data indicates the plane climbed only 625 feet before crashing.
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The aircraft struck a hostel building of B J Medical College and Hospital, located in the Meghani Nagar area, near the airport.
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Debris fell across a residential area, complicating rescue and relief operations.
Casualties and Relief Efforts
As of the latest update, 204 fatalities have been confirmed. The number is expected to rise as many bodies are yet to be recovered from the wreckage. Fire and rescue teams, along with Army and Air Force personnel, are on-site conducting operations.
A dedicated helpline has been set up by Air India:
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For Indian nationals: 1800 5691 444
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For foreign nationals: +91 8062779200
Aviation Authorities and PM’s Response
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has dispatched a specialized crash investigation team to the site. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, who is en route to Ahmedabad to personally oversee rescue efforts.
Conclusion
The Air India AI171 crash stands as one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history. As the nation mourns the immense loss of life, the miraculous survival of Ramesh Bucharvada offers a faint glimmer of hope and prompts critical questions about safety protocols, aircraft maintenance, and emergency response mechanisms.
