Ahmedabad: Amid the tragedy of the Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, a glimmer of hope has emerged — Ramesh Viswaskumar, a passenger seated in 11A, has miraculously survived. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff near Meghaninagar, claiming the lives of nearly everyone on board.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik confirmed the survival, stating: “One survivor has been found in the hospital and is currently under treatment.” While he refrained from confirming the total number of casualties, Malik added: “The death toll may rise, as the aircraft crashed into a densely populated residential area.”

Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijaybhai Ramniklalbhai Rupani, who was seated in seat number 12.

The ill-fated flight included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese nationals, along with 12 crew members, including two pilots.

The Gujarat State Government confirmed that the aircraft went down in an area that includes the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital students’ hostel, staff quarters, and surrounding residential buildings, intensifying the disaster’s impact.

The Ahmedabad Police have released a list of 25 injured individuals. Rescue operations continue, with emergency services working round-the-clock.

Air India, owned by the Tata Group, has issued a dedicated helpline for affected families:

  • For domestic inquiries: 1800 5691 444
  • For foreign nationals: +91 8062779200