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Key Points

A devastating Air India flight crash near Ahmedabad has claimed 241 lives, with only one survivor, Ramesh Bucharvada. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a medical college hostel just moments after takeoff, shocking the local community. Bucharvada, seated in an emergency exit row, miraculously survived the catastrophic incident. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to assess the full extent of the tragedy and provide immediate support.

Key Points: Ramesh Bucharvada Survives Deadly Air India Flight 171 Crash

  • Sole survivor seated in emergency exit row
  • Crash occurred shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad
  • Aircraft crashed into medical college hostel
  • Rescue operations launched immediately
2 min read

Miraculous escape: Passenger in emergency exit seat sole survivor of Air India disaster

Miraculous survival of British passenger Ramesh Bucharvada in devastating Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad airport that killed 241 people

"The plane exploded - Ramesh Bucharvada, Sole Survivor"

Ahmedabad, June 12

Among the 242 people aboard the ill-fated Air India flight AI171, which tragically crashed shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon, 38-year-old British national Ramesh Vishwaskumar Bucharvada miraculously survived.

Bucharvada was seated in 11A, a window seat located right behind an emergency exit on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick. According to Aerolopa, seat 11A is positioned in the first row of the Economy cabin, on the aircraft's right side, two rows ahead of the wings -- directly behind one of the plane's emergency exit doors.

A video captured moments after the crash shows an injured Bucharvada walking towards an ambulance while surrounded by bystanders. Speaking in Gujarati, he described the terrifying moment: "The plane exploded." Asked about the fate of the other passengers, he replied, "They are back there inside (at the crash site)."

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik confirmed that Ramesh is the sole survivor of the disaster. "The police found one survivor in seat 11A. One survivor has been found in the hospital and is under treatment," Malik told media persons. He added that the death toll is expected to rise as the flight crashed in a densely populated residential area.

The flight, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 pm IST. Radar data showed that the aircraft climbed only 625 feet before losing contact with air traffic control less than a minute later. The plane struck a hostel building of B.J. Medical College and Hospital shortly after. Rescue and recovery operations were carried out on war footing by various agencies. Armed forces also helped the local workers in the rescue operations at the crash site as authorities continued to assess the full extent of the tragedy.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
What a heartbreaking tragedy 😢 My heart goes out to all the families affected. The survivor's account gives me chills - can't imagine what he must be going through. Air India needs to conduct thorough safety audits immediately!
R
Rahul S.
This is absolutely devastating. The fact that it crashed in a medical college area makes it worse - could have been even more casualties. DGCA must investigate properly. Also makes me think - should emergency exit seats have better survival rates by design?
A
Anjali M.
Bhagwan ka kamaal hai that at least one person survived this horrific accident. The rescue teams worked really hard despite difficult conditions. We should appreciate their efforts while mourning this terrible loss.
V
Vikram J.
The survivor being seated near emergency exit is significant. Maybe airlines should give safety briefings more importance - many passengers ignore them. Also, why did the plane climb only 625 feet? Technical failure or human error? Need answers.
S
Sanjay P.
So tragic to lose so many lives. The survivor must be traumatized for life. Hope Air India provides proper compensation to all victims' families. Our aviation safety standards need serious improvement - too many accidents recently.
N
Neha T.
The video of the survivor walking away is haunting. Makes you realize how fragile life is. Kudos to the rescue teams working in such difficult conditions. Hope this leads to better safety protocols in our aviation sector 🙏

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