A sole survivor has been confirmed from the devastating Air India crash that killed at least 200 people, according to police officials.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik told the ANI news agency that one passenger survived the tragedy. The survivor was seated in 11A on the London-bound Boeing 787-8 flight, identified by the flight manifest as British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh.
Following the crash, Mr Ramesh contacted his family in Leicester to confirm he was safe, though he expressed concern about his brother Ajay, who was also on the flight. His cousin Ajay Valgi confirmed the phone call to the news.
Mr Ramesh’s brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, described the family’s devastation from their Leicester home. “I last spoke to him yesterday morning. We’re devastated, just devastated,” he said. “He said I have no idea how I exited the plane.”
A relative named Jay told PA news agency that Mr Ramesh spoke to his father after the crash, asking about his brother’s whereabouts. “He’s got some injuries on his face. He was painted in blood,” the relative reported. “He’s doing well, I think. It’s a big shock.”
Social media video footage showed Mr Ramesh walking toward an ambulance with smoke visible in the background. Indian media reported that he shared his boarding pass showing his name and seat number.
Mr Ramesh, who has a wife and child, was born in India but has resided in the UK for many years.
Commissioner Malik confirmed the survivor “has been in the hospital and is under treatment.” He told the BBC that 204 bodies had been recovered, while 41 people were receiving treatment for injuries.
The flight carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian, according to Air India. The London Gatwick Airport-bound aircraft crashed into medical accommodation less than a minute after takeoff.
Among the British casualties identified by Gloucester Muslim Society were Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee, and their daughter Sara.
King Charles issued a statement expressing that he and his wife were “desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning.” The statement extended “special prayers and deepest possible sympathy” to families and friends across multiple nations awaiting news of their loved ones.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the crash as “devastating,” while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it “heartbreaking beyond words.”
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has established crisis teams in both India and the UK. London Gatwick Airport confirmed it was setting up a reception center for relatives, providing information and liaising closely with Air India.
The airport advised on social media that “British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 0207 008 5000.”
Air India flight AI171 departed Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT) and was scheduled to arrive at London Gatwick at 18:25 BST.
Verified video footage shows the aircraft descending before a large explosion occurred upon ground impact.
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