Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025: A British national seated in 11A is the sole known survivor of the tragic Air India crash that killed at least 200 people shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, authorities have confirmed.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik told Indian media that the passenger, identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived the crash of the London-bound Boeing 787-8 and is currently under medical treatment in hospital.
“Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly,” Mr. Ramesh reportedly told Indian media from his hospital bed, also sharing his boarding pass showing seat 11A.
The ill-fated flight, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, was carrying 230 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian, according to Air India. The aircraft crashed into a residential facility used by doctors less than a minute after take-off.
In a statement, King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed their deep sorrow:
“We are 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.”
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed in the House of Commons that British nationals were on board and that crisis response teams have been activated in both Delhi and London.
“The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is working urgently with local authorities to support British nationals and their families,” he said.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are underway.
