PM Modi Meets Sole Survivor of Air India Crash: “I Thought I Was Going to Die,” Says Vishwash Ramesh
Ahmedabad – A day after India witnessed one of the deadliest aviation disasters in its history, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the only survivor of the tragic Air India AI-171 crash that killed 241 people. Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, is currently receiving treatment for multiple injuries at Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital.
During an emotional interaction, Ramesh recounted the terrifying final moments onboard the doomed flight, describing in detail how he escaped what seemed like certain death.
"I Don’t Know How I Survived,” Says Ramesh
Ramesh, who was traveling with his elder brother Ajay Kumar Rakesh (45), said the two were seated in different rows. While Ajay tragically perished in the crash, Ramesh miraculously survived and walked away from the wreckage, albeit with injuries.
“My brother was seated in a different row and didn’t survive. I still don’t know how I made it out alive,” he told Prime Minister Modi.
“For a while, I thought I was going to die. Everything happened in front of my eyes — the noise, the impact, the fire. I somehow found a small space to escape.”
Aircraft Stalled Before Nosediving, Says Survivor
Sharing further details about the crash, Ramesh said the aircraft behaved abnormally shortly after takeoff.
“After take-off, the aircraft seemed to stall briefly. Then it suddenly nosedived and crashed into the building. I was on the opposite side of where the plane hit. That saved me,” he explained.
Despite injuries, Ramesh was seen walking away from the crash site before being rushed to the hospital. Doctors attending to him said he is stable and receiving “comprehensive care.”
PM Modi Visits BJ Medical College Crash Victims
Along with meeting Ramesh, Prime Minister Modi also visited Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where he met several victims injured on the ground. Many of the injured were MBBS students from BJ Medical College, where the aircraft had crashed directly into one of the hostel buildings.
The hostel mess-cum-dining hall was filled with students at the time of impact. The incident occurred at around 1:30 PM IST, when Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed just three kilometers from the airport, moments after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London Gatwick.
“I was in the kitchen area with my lunch tray. The next second, it felt like an earthquake, and everything went dark,” said Neha Shah, a second-year medical student who suffered minor injuries. “We never imagined a plane could hit our hostel.”
Massive Rescue and Recovery Operation Underway
Emergency services, including fire brigades, police, disaster response teams, and medical personnel, have been working around the clock since Thursday afternoon to:
- Rescue survivors trapped in the debris
- Identify bodies
- Assist families of the deceased
- Clear wreckage from the crash site
Authorities have confirmed that the process of handing over bodies to families has begun, although DNA testing is being carried out in several cases due to severe burns and dismemberment.
Survivors and Students in Shock
Students and faculty members at BJ Medical College are grappling with trauma. “It’s hard to believe what happened. We’ve had drills for earthquakes, but never for something like this,” said a senior faculty member. Classes and exams at the institution have been suspended indefinitely.
The student hostel, which bore the brunt of the impact, is being cleared of debris. Structural engineers will assess whether the building can be salvaged or needs demolition.
Crash Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flight | Air India AI-171 |
| Aircraft | Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner |
| Route | Ahmedabad to London Gatwick |
| Takeoff Time | 1:38 PM IST, June 12 |
| Crash Site | Hostel at BJ Medical College, Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad |
| Fatalities | 241 |
| Survivor | 1 (Vishwash Kumar Ramesh) |
| Passengers’ Nationalities | 169 Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian |
| Distance from Airport | Approx. 3 km |
Investigation Intensifies
A full-scale investigation is currently underway, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Air India, and Boeing jointly probing the cause. The Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder have been recovered and sent for analysis.
Officials are focusing on the aircraft’s mechanical systems, recent maintenance records, and air traffic control communications. Preliminary eyewitness accounts and survivor testimony suggest a stall or technical failure moments after takeoff.
Global Attention and Mourning
The crash has drawn global attention. Leaders from the UK, Portugal, Canada, and other countries have expressed condolences. The UK High Commission in India is assisting families of British nationals, while Canada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed contact with relatives of its sole citizen onboard.
Prime Minister Modi is expected to announce a national day of mourning, and compensation measures for victims’ families are being prepared.
Air India’s Ongoing Response
Air India has pledged full cooperation with authorities and announced dedicated helplines for family members:
- India Toll-Free: 1800 5691 444
- International: +91 8062779200
The airline has also stationed support teams in Ahmedabad and London and is coordinating with foreign missions for assistance.
Final Word
The survival of Vishwash Kumar Ramesh stands as a rare ray of hope in a tragedy that has otherwise plunged hundreds of families into mourning. As India watches the unfolding investigation, the focus remains on accountability, aviation safety reforms, and support for those affected.