In one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent history, more than 240 people lost their lives when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. Yet amid the chaos and devastation, one man — Viswashkumar Ramesh — emerged alive. His escape has stunned the world and been dubbed by British media as the “miracle of seat 11A.”
Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national of Indian origin, was seated by the emergency exit when the aircraft plummeted into a medical college hostel. Recalling the horrific moment from his hospital bed, Ramesh said:
“For a moment, I thought I was going to die. But I opened my eyes, unbuckled my seatbelt, and saw a way out. The side of the plane I was on had space to escape, so I climbed through the broken door.”
Social media footage showed Ramesh limping on the street shortly after the crash, his T-shirt soaked in blood, his face bruised. He is currently being treated for burns and trauma in Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital, where officials described his survival as “nothing short of a miracle.”
Family Still in Shock
Ramesh had been traveling with his brother, Ajay, who was seated elsewhere on the plane. His fate remains uncertain. At the family’s home in Leicester, Ramesh’s cousin Hiren Kantilal shared the anguish:
“We’ve spoken to him via video call. But about his brother… We are totally heartbroken.”
The crash site remains under investigation. Emergency responders continue to search through the charred remains of the hostel building to locate missing people and parts of the aircraft. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited the site, also met with Ramesh in hospital to express his concern and support.
What Caused the Crash?
Ramesh said the plane felt unstable moments after takeoff — lights flickered green and white, and he sensed the engine surging before the crash. Investigators are now focused on finding the root cause. Air India has stated that a full inquiry will take time, while Boeing has dispatched a team of experts to assist.
This marks the deadliest airline tragedy in a decade and has reignited global discussions about aviation safety, emergency protocols, and aircraft maintenance standards.
A Story of Survival Amid Sorrow
While the world mourns the loss of over 240 lives, Ramesh’s story reminds us of the unpredictable nature of tragedy and the resilience of the human spirit. As investigations unfold, one thing is clear — seat 11A will forever be remembered as a symbol of hope amidst despair.
