In an incredible story of survival, a British man walked away from the Air India crash that claimed 241 lives.
Vishwashkumar Ramesh was seated in 11A on the Boeing 787 flight bound for London when it crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad in western India.
His brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, told BBC News that Vishwashkumar “has no idea how he survived” and was the sole survivor of the accident.
Air India confirmed that all other passengers and crew perished, including 169 Indian citizens and 52 British nationals.
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Watch: British passenger survives India plane crash, reports say
Nayan told the BBC, “It feels wonderful to see Vishwashkumar doing well,” but he remains worried about their other brother, Ajay, who was also on the flight.
“We were all in complete shock when we heard the news — just utterly speechless,” he said.
“Vishwashkumar himself doesn’t know how he survived or how he managed to get out of the plane.
“When he called us, his main concern was about Ajay. He kept saying, ‘Find Ajay, find Ajay.’ That’s all he cares about right now.”
A relative named Jay told the PA news agency, “He has some injuries on his face and was covered in blood. But he seems to be doing well. It’s a huge shock.”
Footage shared on social media showed Mr. Ramesh walking towards an ambulance with smoke rising in the background.
He was later seen in a hospital bed meeting India’s interior minister, Amit Shah.
Indian media reported that Mr. Ramesh presented his boarding pass, which confirmed his name and seat number.
He has a wife and child. The BBC understands he was born in India but has lived in the UK for many years.
In a statement, the King said he and his wife were “deeply shocked by the horrific events in Ahmedabad this morning.”
“Our heartfelt prayers and sincerest condolences go out to the families and friends of everyone affected by this devastating tragedy spanning multiple countries, as they await news of their loved ones,” the statement continued.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he could not yet confirm reports that a British citizen had survived the crash and that the government was still gathering information.
He expressed his sympathy for the families, acknowledging they would be “absolutely devastated by this terrible news,” while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the situation as “heart-breaking beyond words.”
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has deployed crisis teams both in India and the UK.
London Gatwick Airport confirmed it was setting up a reception center for relatives of passengers to provide support and information, and is working closely with Air India.
On X, it said: “British nationals needing consular help or concerned about friends or family should call 0207 008 5000.”
