British Man in Seat 11A Survives Deadly Air India Crash, Reports Say

A British passenger has reportedly survived the devastating Air India plane crash that killed more than 200 people in Ahmedabad, India, early this morning.

According to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik, the sole known survivor was sitting in seat 11A on the Boeing 787-8, which was bound for London’s Gatwick Airport. The flight went down less than a minute after takeoff, crashing into accommodation used by medical staff near the airport.

Flight records identify the passenger in 11A as British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh. Indian media outlets say they’ve spoken to Ramesh from his hospital bed, where he is being treated for his injuries.

“Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly,” Ramesh reportedly said. He also shared his boarding pass with reporters, confirming his seat number and identity.

The aircraft was carrying 230 people in total, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian, according to Air India.

In a statement from Buckingham Palace, King Charles and Queen Camilla expressed their heartbreak over the tragedy:

“We are desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning. Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones.”

In response, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has activated emergency response teams in both India and the UK.

Speaking to Parliament, Lammy confirmed:

“We know that British nationals were on board, and I can confirm that the Foreign Office is working urgently with local authorities to support British nationals and their families. Crisis teams are now in place in both Delhi and London.”

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. More updates are expected as rescue and recovery efforts continue.