The entire nation is engulfed in grief following the catastrophic crash of Air India flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London, which occurred on Wednesday. Initial reports indicated the grim possibility of 241 casualties. However, a remarkable update has brought a flicker of hope amid the despair — a passenger seated at 11A was found alive, though injured, amidst the debris.
Life Amidst the Ruins: Survivor Recounts Harrowing Moments After Crash
British national Vishwas Kumar Ramesh describes waking up surrounded by devastation
Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed that the survivor, a 40-year-old British citizen named Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, was found conscious but injured and immediately admitted to a hospital. Malik warned that the death toll could rise further due to the severity of the crash in a residential area.
Vishwas Kumar, traveling with his brother Ajay Kumar Ramesh on a return trip to London, shared his ordeal: “There was a loud noise and everything ended within 30 seconds. When I regained consciousness, I was surrounded by bodies and burning wreckage. Someone came and helped me out and placed me in an ambulance.”
Investigation Underway as Authorities Seek Answers
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau leads probe; Boeing pledges full cooperation
The Government of India has entrusted the formal inquiry into the accident to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Senior officials and technical experts have already departed for Ahmedabad to conduct a detailed investigation. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, has expressed its commitment to fully cooperate with the inquiry.
Identification of Victims Proves Difficult; DNA Samples Requested from Families
Gujarat government appeals for cooperation to assist in victim identification after extensive damage to bodies
The horrific nature of the crash has left many bodies severely charred, complicating identification efforts. Authorities have appealed to the relatives of the victims to provide DNA samples to aid in this painstaking process.
Condolences from the British Royal Family
King Charles III and Queen Camilla express deep sorrow and sympathy to affected families
In a statement, Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed profound grief over the tragedy, stating that they are “shocked by the Ahmedabad disaster and extend heartfelt condolences to the families of those lost.”
