By Omoniyi David
British national, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, has been confirmed as the sole survivor of a tragic Air India crash that claimed the lives of at least 200 people, Indian authorities have said.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner, GS Malik, told the ANI news agency that the lone survivor was seated in 11A aboard the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick Airport.
Authorities confirmed the flight manifest listed Mr. Ramesh, a British citizen, in that seat. According to Indian media reports, Mr. Ramesh, speaking from his hospital bed, recounted the horror: “Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.”
Indian outlets also reported that he shared a copy of his boarding pass, showing his name and seat number, as proof of his identity and survival.
Commissioner Malik said the survivor is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Air India stated that the ill-fated flight carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.
The plane reportedly crashed into a residential accommodation for doctors less than a minute after take-off.
Verified footage circulating online showed the aircraft descending rapidly just moments before impact.
In a statement, King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed their sorrow, saying they were “desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning.”
“Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones,” the statement read.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy told the House of Commons that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), has activated crisis teams in both India and the UK.
“We know that British nationals were on board, and I can confirm that the FCDO is working urgently with local authorities to support British nationals and their families,” Lammy said. “Crisis teams have been stood up in Delhi and in London to provide immediate assistance.”
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
