A Boeing 787 flight from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the death of 241 passengers. Viswas Ramesh, seated in business class seat 11A, was the sole survivor.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed at 4:17 AM on June 10, 2025, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The accident occurred 40 seconds after takeoff when the plane lost control and collided with a building within the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital complex. Of the 242 passengers on board, 241 perished.
Sole Survivor Identified
The sole survivor, miraculously escaping the crash, is Viswas Kumar Ramesh from Bihar, who was traveling to London with his brother. Ramesh was seated in business class, seat 11A. His seat location is believed to have contributed to his survival, avoiding serious injury. He is currently hospitalized in the trauma ward of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where his condition is reported as stable.
Significance of Seat 11A
Seat 11A on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is typically located near a window in the forward section of the economy class. Its proximity to an emergency exit provides extra space and facilitates quicker evacuation. This location and the resulting easier access to an exit are considered key factors in Ramesh's survival.
Details of the Accident
The flight was rapidly ascending after takeoff when a technical malfunction caused the aircraft to become unstable. Within moments, it crashed into a tall building of the BJ Medical and Civil Hospital, located approximately 2.5 kilometers away. Over 50 doctors were present in the building at the time; several were injured, and some died at the scene.
Passenger Count and Nationality
The aircraft carried 242 passengers: 169 Indian, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian citizen. The flight was destined for Gatwick Airport in London. Air India has stated that passenger identification is underway, and efforts are being made to contact the families of the deceased.
Factors Influencing Survival Chances
Experts state that several factors determine passenger safety in plane crashes, including seat location, aircraft speed, impact angle, and proximity to exits. Business class seats are generally located toward the front and have a ber structure. Furthermore, seats near exits, such as 11A, aid in immediate evacuation.
Post-Accident Response
Following the crash, the NDRF, fire brigade, police, and ambulance services swiftly responded. Recovery of bodies from the wreckage and their transportation to the civil hospital ensued. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered an investigation and requested technical information from Boeing. Air India has announced financial assistance for the families of the victims.
