In a tragic incident on June 12, 2025, an Air India flight, AI171, crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Remarkably, one passenger, a British-Indian man, managed to escape the wreckage with non-life-threatening injuries. His extraordinary survival story has captured the attention of media outlets both in India and internationally.
The Survivor’s Account
The sole survivor, identified as Ramesh Vishwaskumar Bucharvada, reportedly leapt from the aircraft just moments before it crashed. According to reports, he was seated in 11A, conveniently located near an emergency exit. Dr. Dhaval Gameti, who treated him, described Ramesh as disoriented and suffering from multiple injuries, but confirmed that he was no longer in danger. The news was later corroborated by the Associated Press, which also noted that India’s Home Minister, Amit Shah, visited Ramesh in the hospital.
While initial reports suggested that Ramesh was 38 years old, further verification indicated that he is actually 40. His miraculous escape has sparked widespread interest, particularly as video footage of him walking towards an ambulance emerged on social media, showing him limping but conscious.
Family Visit Turns to Tragedy
Ramesh, who has resided in London for the past two decades, was in India to visit family. He had travelled with his brother, who was also on the ill-fated flight. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Ramesh recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the crash. He described hearing a loud noise just thirty seconds after takeoff, followed by the plane’s sudden descent.
He sustained various impact injuries, including bruises on his chest, eyes, and feet. Despite the chaos, Ramesh remained lucid and aware of his surroundings. “When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me,” he recounted. A bystander helped him into an ambulance, which transported him to the hospital for treatment.
Ongoing Investigation and Casualty Reports
As of the latest updates, the total number of fatalities from the crash remains unconfirmed, but police officials have indicated that at least 240 individuals lost their lives. The tragedy has raised numerous questions regarding aviation safety and emergency protocols, particularly in light of the recent increase in air travel.
The incident has drawn attention to the importance of stringent safety measures in the aviation industry, especially as air travel continues to grow globally. As investigations proceed, the focus will undoubtedly be on understanding the causes of this devastating crash and ensuring that such tragedies are prevented in the future.
In the wake of this disaster, the aviation community and the public alike are left to reflect on the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit, as exemplified by Ramesh’s remarkable survival.