In a stunning reversal of initial reports, Ahmedabad police confirmed that one person has survived the Air India Flight AI171 crash that occurred this afternoon. The London-bound Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, erupting into a massive fireball.

Authorities had earlier declared that no one had survived the disaster, but hours later, the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner revealed that a passenger from seat 11A had been found alive. Identified as 40-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, he was seen walking near the crash site, his white T-shirt and trousers barely scorched. Vishwash is now being treated for injuries to his chest, eyes and feet at Civil Hospital in Asarwa. His brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, who was also on board, remains unaccounted for.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Vishwash described the terrifying moment: “Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.”

The aircraft had climbed to about 825 feet when it suddenly began losing altitude. A mayday call was made before radio contact was lost. The plane crashed into a doctors’ hostel at a nearby medical college, killing residents and sparking an intense blaze. Emergency services rushed to the scene, where over 50 injured individuals are now receiving medical attention.

Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash. Air India and aviation authorities have yet to issue a formal statement.