In what is regarded as one of the most devastating aviation calamities in history, the crash of Air India Flight 171 resulted in a tragic loss of life, impacting both passengers and innocent individuals on the ground. Amid the chaos, a single survivor emerged to recount his harrowing tale. As investigations unfold and more facts are revealed regarding this heartbreaking incident, many are left to ponder the number of individuals who managed to escape this disaster. In the following sections, we delve into the details surrounding the number of survivors from this catastrophic event.
Understanding the Circumstances Surrounding Air India Flight 171
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171 tragically crashed shortly after its takeoff from Ahmedabad, India. The aircraft, which was carrying over 240 individuals, met a catastrophic end when it collided with the rooftop of a medical college hostel’s dining hall. This incident not only claimed lives aboard the flight but also resulted in significant casualties among the local population. The sequence of events that led to the crash has left many questions unanswered, fueling the ongoing investigation into this aviation disaster.
What Insights Were Gained from the Air India Flight Crash Investigation?
A preliminary investigation report released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau unveiled critical findings regarding the crash of Air India Flight 171. It was disclosed that the fuel switches aboard the aircraft had been deactivated shortly after takeoff, leading to catastrophic engine failure. The cockpit recordings revealed a troubling conversation between the pilots, suggesting that there was confusion regarding who was responsible for cutting off the fuel supply, thus raising serious questions about cockpit communication and error management.
“In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard questioning the other about why the fuel cutoff occurred. The second pilot, seemingly taken aback, replied that he had not initiated the cutoff,” the report disclosed, as reported by NBC News.
A preliminary report on last month’s Air India crash, which killed 260 people, says fuel to the engines was cut just seconds after takeoff. @ABC News contributor and former pilot John Nance breaks down the findings. pic.twitter.com/0F6fEABF4U
— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) July 11, 2025
Identifying the Sole Survivor of the Air India Flight 171 Crash
Remarkably, amidst the tragedy of Air India Flight 171, there was only one individual who survived the devastating incident: Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British citizen who was visiting family in India and preparing for his return journey to the U.K.. Reports indicate that he managed to walk away from the crash scene before being transported to a local hospital. From his hospital bed, Ramesh recounted that the aircraft had crashed approximately 30 seconds after takeoff, a harrowing detail that underscores the suddenness of the disaster.
Dr. Dhaval Gameti, who attended to Ramesh, informed The Associated Press that the survivor was “disoriented and sustained multiple injuries across his body … but fortunately, he appears to be out of danger.” The physical and emotional toll of such an event is profound, and the road to recovery for Ramesh will undoubtedly be a challenging journey.
According to Air India, the passenger manifest included 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. The aftermath of the crash also had devastating consequences for the local community, with reports indicating that at least five students lost their lives and more than 50 others suffered injuries when the plane struck the top of the dining facility of the medical college hostel. This tragedy has affected many lives, both on and off the flight.
Exploring the Frequency of Boeing 787 Crashes
The crash of Air India Flight 171 is marked as one of the most catastrophic airline disasters within India in several decades. Notably, this incident represents the inaugural crash involving a Boeing 787 aircraft, according to data from the Aviation Safety Network. Despite its advanced engineering, the Boeing 787 has faced several challenges and incidents worldwide over recent years, including alarming occurrences such as an emergency exit detaching mid-flight. These incidents raise concerns about aircraft safety and the need for rigorous maintenance protocols.
In response to the tragedy of Air India Flight 171, Boeing’s CEO and president, Kelly Ortberg, expressed heartfelt condolences in a public statement: “Our deepest sympathies are extended to the families and friends of the passengers and crew aboard Air India Flight 171, as well as to everyone impacted in Ahmedabad. I have communicated with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran to extend our full support, and a dedicated Boeing team is prepared to assist with the investigation being conducted by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.” This incident has underscored the importance of aviation safety and the accountability of manufacturers in such tragic circumstances.
