A British national was the sole survivor of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India, that killed at least 200 people, according to Indian authorities.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed to news agency ANI that a passenger seated in 11A on the ill-fated Air India Boeing 787-8 survived the crash. The aircraft, bound for London Gatwick, went down less than a minute after takeoff, crashing into staff accommodation for local doctors.
The flight manifest identified the survivor as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national. Indian media outlets reported that Mr. Ramesh, currently hospitalized and receiving treatment, recounted the terrifying moments:
“Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly,” he told reporters from his hospital bed, also providing a boarding pass showing his identity and seat number.
Air India stated the flight carried 242 passengers, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.
In response to the tragedy, King Charles and Queen Camilla issued a heartfelt statement expressing their horror and sympathy.
“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… as they await news of their loved ones.”
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed to Parliament that crisis response teams have been mobilized in both Delhi and London to support British nationals and their families.
“We know that British nationals were on board… the FCDO is working urgently with local authorities,” he stated in the Commons.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with aviation authorities on the ground coordinating recovery and support efforts.
