Officials have reported that at least one individual survived the catastrophic Air India plane crash and he has shared his experience with local media.
The Indian aircraft, which departed from Ahmedabad and was en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12.
The Air India flight carried 242 passengers and crew, among them were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese nationals.
The apparent lone survivor of the crash was a 40-year-old British national named Vishwash Kumar Ramesh.
Seated in 11a, Ramesh has spoken to the media about his survival and his bewilderment regarding how he emerged unscathed.
The reason for the crash remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet provided a definitive count of the fatalities, including those on the airplane and on the ground.
From his hospital bed in Asarwa, Ahmedabad, Ramesh recounted to the Hindustan Times: “Thirty seconds after takeoff there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.”
“When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.”
Ramesh’s family, speaking from Leicester, expressed that Ramesh remains uncertain about his escape but mentioned he is now recovering well.
Dr. Dhaval Gameti, who treated Ramesh, commented: “He was disorientated, with multiple injuries all over his body. But he seems to be out of danger.”
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a statement regarding the incident following his visit to the crash location.
In a Twitter post, alongside images of the site, he expressed: “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.”
“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.”