One man has survived a catastrophic Air India crash that left 241 dead after a Dreamliner bound for London plunged into a residential district of Ahmedabad.
Ramesh Vishwaskumar Bucharvada, 38, has been confirmed as the sole known survivor of Air India Flight AI-171. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 people—including 53 British nationals—when it crashed moments after take-off on Thursday.
Only one survivor found
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik confirmed:
“Ramesh is the only known survivor of the devastating crash.”
The passenger was seated in seat 11A and is believed to have jumped from the aircraft during the final seconds of descent. Footage from the scene shows him walking injured near the burning wreckage.
Flight AI-171 had departed Ahmedabad at 1:39pm local time, en route to London Gatwick. Air traffic controllers confirmed the aircraft climbed to just 825 feet before issuing a Mayday call and disappearing from radar. It then crashed into a medical college hostel in the densely populated Meghani Nagar district.
Mass casualties and ongoing rescue
So far, police have recovered 204 bodies. More than 50 students inside the hostel at the time have been taken to hospital with injuries. Emergency crews continue to search the wreckage, though hopes of finding further survivors are fading.
The airport remains closed, and emergency operations have been mobilised by India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Britain’s involvement
At least 53 of the passengers onboard were UK nationals. The UK Foreign Office has yet to release an official statement, though consular support is believed to be in place. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the news as “heartbreaking” and confirmed he is receiving regular updates.
Boeing and Air India respond
Boeing has confirmed it is cooperating fully with investigators.
“We are gathering more information and are in contact with Air India,” a company spokesperson said.
This is the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft’s introduction in 2009.
Air India’s chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran issued a statement saying:
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. We are doing everything possible to support emergency teams and provide care to those impacted.”
Investigation underway
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Early indications point to a mechanical failure or systems malfunction during the initial climb phase, but officials have yet to confirm.
Aviation authorities in India and the UK are expected to release joint updates as more information becomes available.
