A video circulating online shows a man emerging from the wreckage of a plane crash near an airport in India—just moments after a commercial flight went down.
On June 12, 2025, an Air India flight bound for London Gatwick from Ahmedabad crashed shortly after takeoff. One of the survivors, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh—who was seated in 11A—was later seen walking away from the crash site.
Flight AI171 Crashes Minutes After Departure
Flight AI171 took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 p.m. with 230 passengers and 12 crew members onboard. Air India confirmed on their X account that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 169 Indian citizens, 53 from the UK, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. The plane crashed within minutes and quickly erupted in flames.
Survivor Recalls the Impact
At the Civil Hospital in Asarwa, 40-year-old Vishwash—who has lived in London for two decades and has a wife and child there—recounted the terrifying moment. “Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly,” he told Hindustan Times, which also published a photo of his boarding pass.
Vishwash had been in India briefly and was flying home with his 45-year-old brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh. Although they were seated separately, they had traveled together to Diu. “He was travelling with me and I can’t find him anymore. Please help me find him,” Vishwash pleaded.
Inside the hospital, other families were frantically searching for their relatives. Among them was Sailesh Mandliya, former assistant to Gujarat’s ex-Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The former politician’s location remained unknown at the time, and Mandliya asked to be notified of any developments.
Footage Captures Vishwash’s Escape
Vishwash sustained injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet. He recalled waking up in the debris, getting to his feet, and running until someone assisted him into an ambulance. A video shared by India Today NE appears to show Vishwash limping and talking to people around him as he’s guided toward an ambulance, with background sounds of crying and confusion.
Another video began circulating early Thursday morning. Around 5 a.m. EST, Times Now released footage captioned: “Caught On Cam: Passenger plane crashes near Ahmedabad Airport.” The video shows the aircraft flying dangerously low before disappearing briefly—followed by an explosion, sending flames and thick smoke into the air.
🚨 RAMESH VISHWASKUMAR, SEAT 11A REPORTEDLY SOLE SURVIVOR IN AIR INDIA CRASH. pic.twitter.com/ypDObjbxDW
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 12, 2025
Air India Responds
Roughly an hour later, Air India confirmed the crash and shared passenger details. Injured individuals were transported to local hospitals, and a helpline—1-800-569-1444—was activated for families needing information. The airline asked journalists not to call the hotline and to instead check official updates on social media and their website.
CEO Addresses the Public
Later that day, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson made a public statement. He offered condolences to those affected and emphasized that the airline’s immediate focus was helping passengers, crew members, and their families.
Wilson also reiterated the flight details, explained that emergency teams were working with local authorities, and mentioned that additional support staff would be sent to Ahmedabad. He stressed that only verified information would be shared and urged people to avoid speculation.
He concluded by assuring the public that Air India teams were working non-stop to assist victims and investigators.
Royal Condolences from King Charles III
As a Commonwealth nation, India received a formal message from King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Deeply saddened by the crash in Ahmedabad, the royal couple extended their sympathies to all those impacted, especially those still awaiting word on loved ones. They also praised the emergency responders for their efforts during the crisis.
While the situation continues to develop, thoughts remain with the victims, survivors, and families affected by this tragic event.