In a remarkable story of survival amid tragedy, a British man escaped with minor injuries after an Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad, India, claiming the lives of 241 people on board.
The survivor, seated in 11A, was on the London-bound Boeing 787 when the plane went down just under a minute after leaving the runway. His family describes his escape as nothing short of miraculous. According to his brother, he has no clear memory of how he managed to get out of the wreckage alive.
When he contacted his family, his primary concern was not for himself but for his brother, who was also on the flight and remains unaccounted for. The ordeal has left the family in shock, struggling to process the devastating news.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the man covered in blood, with visible facial injuries, but otherwise conscious and able to move. He was quickly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Medical professionals say he suffered multiple injuries but is stable and out of immediate danger.
The crash occurred as the plane collided with buildings used by medical trainees just after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The cause of the disaster is still under investigation, and the number of casualties on the ground remains uncertain.
Among the passengers were many families traveling back to the UK, with several British nationals tragically losing their lives in the incident. The crash has sent waves of grief across communities in both countries, with officials and citizens expressing their sorrow and condolences.
British and Indian authorities have activated crisis response teams, setting up support centers for the families of passengers. Efforts continue to provide updates and assistance to those affected.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed deep sympathy for the families devastated by the catastrophe, while India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the event “heartbreaking beyond words.”
Flight AI171 had been scheduled to arrive at London Gatwick later that day. The final moments of the flight were captured in video footage showing the aircraft descending rapidly before a large explosion on impact.
As investigations proceed, the focus remains on supporting survivors and mourning the loss of those on board this tragic flight.
