Vishwash Kumar Ramesh's incredible survival story from the Air India crash raises urgent safety concerns.
Topics covered
In a shocking aviation disaster, an Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of at least 260 people. Yet, amid the devastation, one man emerged as the unlikely survivor. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated next to the emergency door, lived to tell the tale of his terrifying escape.
Moments before disaster struck
It was a routine flight from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick when chaos erupted. Just moments after takeoff, pilot Sumeet Sabharwal made a desperate mayday call, warning that the aircraft was losing power. Eyewitness footage captures a large object detaching from the plane before it plummeted into a hostel, igniting a fireball that could be seen for miles.
Vishwash, seated in 11A, was mere inches from the emergency exit. He recalls a loud bang and how the jet suddenly felt like it was falling. “It was as if the plane got stuck, then everything went dark,” he described. His brother, unfortunately, was not as lucky, and the pain of survival weighs heavily on him.
The aftermath: a scene of chaos
When the dust settled, the scene was one of utter destruction. The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel, causing a catastrophic fire that engulfed the area. Survivors scrambled to escape as the building filled with smoke and confusion reigned. “Bodies were everywhere, and I just ran,” Vishwash recalled, a chilling reminder of the chaos that unfolded.
As rescuers arrived, they faced the grim task of sifting through debris, searching for survivors among the wreckage. Reports suggest that at least 50 people on the ground were also killed, as lunch hour turned into a nightmare.
The critical role of seat choice
Vishwash’s proximity to the emergency exit played a pivotal role in his survival. Safety experts emphasize the importance of sitting near exits, especially in emergencies. Prof John McDermid highlighted that being near an exit can significantly increase survival chances during a fire. “It’s the luck of the draw, but also a matter of positioning,” he stated.
In contrast, passengers seated further back did not have the same escape route. Many were trapped, facing the full brunt of the disaster. The stark difference in outcomes raises questions about passenger awareness and safety measures in place during flights.
Investigation into the crash
As investigators comb through footage and wreckage, the focus is on what led to the aircraft’s catastrophic failure. Speculations abound, from bird strikes to malfunctioning flaps, which could have stalled the plane. Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar suggested that a bird strike might have caused the dual engine failure, a theory supported by past incidents.
However, some experts argue that the video evidence does not show typical signs of a bird strike, leaving the cause of the crash shrouded in mystery. Marco Chan speculated about the flap settings, suggesting that incorrect deployment could have contributed to the disaster.
Vishwash’s recovery journey
Currently recovering in a hospital, Vishwash is receiving treatment for his injuries. Despite the trauma, his spirit remains unbroken. “I don’t know how I survived. I just did, and now I have to live with it,” he stated, reflecting on the loss of his brother and the chaos surrounding him.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited him, offering condolences and support to the sole survivor of this horrific accident. His story, while one of survival, is a haunting reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of air travel.
Community response and mourning
In the aftermath of the crash, the local community is reeling. Witnesses described a scene of panic as people fled from the hostel, engulfed in flames and thick smoke. “We heard a huge explosion and ran for our lives,” one resident recounted. The devastating loss has left families shattered, with many still searching for answers.
As the investigation continues, the hope is to uncover the truth behind the crash and implement changes to improve aviation safety. For now, Vishwash’s extraordinary survival story stands as a beacon of hope amidst tragedy, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit.
