In a horrifying tragedy that has shaken India and stunned the world, Air India Flight 171 crashed just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, killing more than 240 people on board.
But amid the flames and debris, one man lived.
A Flight That Never Reached the Sky
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London with 242 people aboard, met disaster within moments of lifting off at 1:38 p.m. local time. The aircraft collided with the grounds of a nearby medical college, causing destruction not just in the skies, but also in the community below.
Witnesses described scenes of horror: scorched classrooms, shattered rooftops, and aircraft debris lodged in the college buildings. The tail of the aircraft, eerily intact, lay embedded in the structure – a haunting symbol of the tragedy.
Officials Confirm Major Loss of Life
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the outcome was grim.
“There appear to be no survivors,” said G.S. Malik, Ahmedabad’s Police Commissioner, during early recovery efforts. He confirmed 204 bodies had been found and added that fatalities likely extended beyond passengers, given the plane had crashed in a densely populated urban area.
A Flicker of Life Amid the Ashes
But hope emerged from the wreckage. Hours later, authorities announced a single survivor had been found.
“This was previously miscommunicated. We have confirmed one living individual – a male, now receiving medical care,” Commissioner Malik clarified.
That man is Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British citizen of Indian origin. Vishwas had returned to India for a visit and was traveling back to London with his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, 45.
They had spent time together in the coastal town of Diu, cherishing a trip that was meant to be joyful – but ended in unimaginable grief.
The Survivor Speaks
Breaking News: Miraculous Escape! Vishwas Kumar Ramesh survived a harrowing Air India flight incident from Ahmedabad. The brave passenger cheated death in what could have been a tragic plane crash. Our thoughts are with all those affected. #AirIndiaFlight #Ahmedabad… pic.twitter.com/oNmySKzlWQ
— Akash Srivastava (@isrivastavas) June 12, 2025
Speaking from a local hospital, where he remains under observation, Vishwas recalled the terrifying moment of impact.
“Just after takeoff, there was a loud noise, and everything went black,” he told local reporters. “When I opened my eyes, there were bodies everywhere. I didn’t know what was happening. I just ran.”
Though bruised and shaken, Vishwas carried one thing with him: his boarding pass – the only clue that he had truly been on that doomed flight. Emergency responders found him wandering near the wreckage and rushed him to the hospital.
Now, he waits for news of his brother.
“He was sitting next to me. I can’t find him anymore. Please help me find him,” he pleaded.
Faces Behind the Numbers
🚨 Jamie Ray Meek, a British citizen listed as a passenger on Air India Flight 171, reportedly shared a final Instagram Story shortly before takeoff.
He appears on the official manifest under GBR 149261531. A video believed to be his last post.#India #Crash #Ahmedabad #Boeing… pic.twitter.com/KmSpz9iOi9
— the Pulse (@thePulseGlobal) June 12, 2025
The list of those lost includes Jamie and Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, a married couple from London known for their work with Wellness Foundry. Just before boarding, they shared a final video on social media – smiling, lighthearted, and completely unaware of what lay ahead.
In the clip, Fiongal signs off cheerfully:
“Going back happily, happily, happily calm.”
Now, the video stands as a poignant farewell – a beautiful and painful reminder of lives lived fully, if far too briefly.
A Story of Survival – and Remembrance
Investigations into the crash are underway, and answers may take time. But for now, the world turns its attention to those left behind – and to the one man who walked away when no one else could.
His survival stands not only as a miracle, but also as a reminder that amidst devastation, hope can still rise.
Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected. If you would like to share a message of support, please leave a comment below and spread this story so others can join in honoring the lives lost.