Air India Crash Survivor Shares Harrowing Account as PM Modi Visits Ahmedabad Hospital

A day after the tragic Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 241 lives, the sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, spoke publicly for the first time, sharing his emotional and gripping experience of that fateful moment. His is the only firsthand story from inside the doomed aircraft.

The 40-year-old British national of Indian origin spoke with DD News from Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where he is recovering from his injuries. Vishwash was seated in row 11A, by the window on the left side in the economy section, close to an emergency exit, when the disaster struck.

“I still can’t believe I made it out alive,” Vishwash said, his voice tinged with disbelief. “For a moment, I thought I was going to die too. But when I opened my eyes and looked around, I realized I was still alive. It feels almost impossible.”

The plane, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed just 33 seconds after takeoff, hitting buildings near the airport in the Meghani Nagar area. Among those on board were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.

Vishwash recalled the terrifying seconds after takeoff. “Within 5 to 10 seconds, it felt like the plane was stuck in the air. Then the lights started flickering—green and white—and suddenly, the plane crashed into a building.”

He explained that the section of the plane he was in stayed grounded and did not fall onto the roof of the building like the rest of the aircraft. “When I saw the emergency exit, I thought I might have a chance. I tried to get out—and I did. Maybe those on the other side of the plane didn’t get that chance.”

He suffered burns on his left hand in the fire that broke out after the crash. “I saw people die right in front of me—air hostesses and two others sitting nearby. But somehow, I managed to walk out of the wreckage.”

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and met with Vishwash. “The Prime Minister asked how I was doing and what happened. I told him I’m okay,” Vishwash said.

Before his hospital visit, PM Modi inspected the crash site, met with rescue workers, and held a review meeting with officials at Ahmedabad airport to oversee rescue and investigation efforts. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol, and Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi accompanied him.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote, “Visited the crash site in Ahmedabad today. The scene of devastation is saddening. Met officials and teams working tirelessly in the aftermath. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy.”

In another post, he added, “We are all devastated by the air tragedy in Ahmedabad. The loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words. Condolences to all the bereaved families. We understand their pain and also know that the void left behind will be felt for years to come. Om Shanti.”