Only Survivor of Air India Crash Escaped Through Emergency Exit

New Delhi: Air India has confirmed that 241 people were killed and only one person survived after its London-bound flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday.
Ramesh Viswashkumar is the sole survivor among the 242 people on board an Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Seated near an emergency exit on the London-bound plane, the 40-year-old British national says he managed to escape by jumping from the aircraft. Speaking from his hospital bed, he told Indian media that he was traveling to the UK with his brother after spending time with family in India.
The ill-fated Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI171, was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The victims include 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. The sole survivor is a British national of Indian origin, currently under treatment at a hospital.
In an official statement, Air India said: "Flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on 12 June 2025, was involved in an accident shortly after departing at 13:38 hrs. Of the 242 people on board, 241 have been confirmed dead. Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. A team of caregivers is present in Ahmedabad to assist affected families. The airline is fully cooperating with the authorities in the ongoing investigation.'
Air India has set up dedicated helplines for families:
India: 1800 5691 444
International: +91 8062779200
Tragedy at BJ Medical College
The aircraft crashed into the BJ Medical College campus in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar area, hitting the boys’ hostel building during lunchtime. The impact caused an explosion and fire, killing at least five MBBS students, a postgraduate resident doctor, and the wife of a senior super-specialist at the college. Over 60 medical students were injured.
According to the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), several victims were found severely burned. Rescue operations are ongoing amid fears that more individuals may be trapped under the rubble.
FAIMA Vice President Dr. Divyansh Singh said:
“Preliminary reports suggest the plane lost control and crashed into the hostel building. Many students were having lunch at the time. The scene is devastating, with bodies charred beyond recognition.”
Emergency services, including NDRF and fire units, have been deployed for rescue and recovery.
This marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history, and both central and state governments have pledged full support for relief and investigation efforts.