In a shocking turn of events, a lone survivor emerged from the wreckage of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that crashed shortly after takeoff from the Indian city of Ahmedabad. The aircraft, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, was carrying 242 people when it tragically exploded into a fireball, killing at least 260 individuals, including passengers and several people in the vicinity of the crash site.
A Grim Scene in Ahmedabad
Indian rescue teams, aided by sniffer dogs, worked tirelessly through the night, sifting through the smouldering ruins in search of survivors and evidence to determine the cause of the catastrophe. The plane had exploded shortly after departure, crashing into a medical staff hostel, claiming lives both on board and on the ground.
Authorities had initially reported no survivors, but hours later, the miraculous news emerged: one man had survived. “One survivor is confirmed,” stated Dhananjay Dwivedi, Gujarat’s health secretary, in a statement to AFP. The survivor, identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, was reportedly seated in seat 11A.
The Survivor: A Glimpse of Hope
Videos circulating on social media captured a bloodied Ramesh limping towards an ambulance. Despite his injuries, he appeared remarkably alive and alert. Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national, was among the 53 UK citizens aboard the doomed flight. His identity was confirmed when a boarding pass bearing his name surfaced in the media.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Ramesh reportedly reassured his family in the UK, telling them he was “fine.” His cousin, Ajay Valgi, shared that Ramesh had called to inform his family of his survival, leaving them in disbelief. His brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, was equally astonished, recounting, “He said, I have no idea how I exited the plane.”
Amid the Tragedy: Heartbreaking Losses
Despite the miraculous survival, the crash has left an immense toll on families. Many victims were on their way to visit loved ones, including elderly parents and family members returning to their homeland. In response to the tragedy, Air India has arranged relief flights to Ahmedabad for the next of kin, assisting in the difficult task of identifying the victims’ remains.
The bodies of the victims, many badly burned from the explosion, are being processed for identification. DNA testing facilities have been set up at BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad, where families and close relatives can submit samples to help identify their loved ones.
India Responds
India’s Home Minister Amit Shah visited the crash site and spoke of his sorrow at the tragic incident. He described his anguish over the crash and expressed relief at the news of Ramesh’s survival. “I am deeply pained by the tragic plane crash,” he said. “But I am also heartened by the good news of the survivor.”
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities focusing on the immediate moments following the plane’s takeoff. Video footage showed the aircraft bursting into flames before crashing, adding to the mystery of the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
As rescue efforts continue, Indian authorities are working to piece together the circumstances surrounding this disaster. The aircraft, which was fully fueled for its long-haul journey to London, exploded just moments after takeoff, creating a chaotic scene that has left the country in mourning.
Families of the victims are currently in the process of identifying their loved ones, and India’s government has pledged continued support to those affected by this devastating crash.