Man Miraculously Walks Out After Deadly Air India Crash | Vantage With Palki Sharma

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Tragedy in the Skies: Air India Crash Claims Hundreds of Lives, One Man Survives

Ahmedabad, India — What began as a hopeful journey for 242 passengers aboard Air India Flight AI147 turned into one of the deadliest air disasters in recent Indian aviation history. The Dreamliner aircraft, scheduled to fly from Ahmedabad to London, crashed moments after takeoff on Thursday morning, leaving a trail of devastation, grief, and heart-wrenching stories of dreams unfulfilled.

Families had gathered at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad throughout the day — eyes scanning hospital corridors, ears straining for news, and hearts filled with desperate hope. This hospital has become a symbol of the scale of the tragedy, the magnitude of the loss, and the fragility of life itself.

Among the chaos, confusion, and grief, one story stood out — a miracle in the midst of disaster. Vishwas Kumar Romesh, a 40-year-old British national of Indian origin, survived the crash and is, according to current reports, the sole survivor.

Romesh, a resident of London, was visiting India for a short family reunion. A husband and father, he boarded the flight on what was supposed to be a routine journey back home. Instead, he found himself thrust into a life-altering catastrophe.

A Brush With Death

Romesh had taken seat 11A, near an emergency exit. Just seconds after the Dreamliner took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, a loud explosion rattled the fuselage. Witnesses on the ground reported seeing a ball of fire descending rapidly. The aircraft plummeted to the ground in a deafening crash.

In the aftermath, Romesh recalls waking up to a scene of utter devastation. “There were bodies everywhere. It was like a nightmare,” he reportedly told medical staff. His chest, eyes, and feet were injured, but adrenaline and survival instinct kicked in. Realizing he was still strapped in, Romesh unclasped his belt, crawled through debris, and forced himself through the emergency exit.

Romesh emerged from the fiery wreckage dazed but alive. Rescuers spotted him stumbling away from the crash site and rushed him to the Civil Hospital, where he remains under treatment. For now, he is the lone thread of hope in a tapestry of loss.

A Plane Full of Dreams

The other 241 passengers on board were not as fortunate. Each person had a unique story — some were traveling to reunite with loved ones, others on business trips or vacations. Some, like Kushbu Rajbururohit, were just starting a new chapter in life.

Rajbururohit, a young woman from Rajasthan, had married earlier this year. Her husband, based in London, had been eagerly awaiting her arrival. She had traveled from her hometown to Ahmedabad the previous day and boarded the Air India flight with excitement. Now, her husband awaits news — uncertain, anxious, and devastated. No confirmation has yet come regarding her fate.

For many families, the wait for news has become a torturous experience. The challenge of identifying victims has grown with each passing hour. With the aircraft catching fire and exploding upon impact, the process of recovery and identification has been slow and emotionally agonizing.

Among the deceased was Kong Latami Sharma, a flight attendant who had been with Air India for several years. Just moments before the flight took off, she sent a message to her sister: “I’m going to London in a few minutes. Will take off soon, may not be able to talk for a while.” That message has now become a haunting memory for her family — the last words they would ever receive from her.

Lost Futures

The crash also claimed the lives of Shu and Shagun Modi, young siblings from Rajasthan who were en route to London for a vacation. According to friends and relatives, this was their first international trip — one they had planned for months. Their journey, like so many others, was cut short in the most tragic manner.

Even more heartbreaking was the loss of Pratik Joshi, his wife — a doctor — and their three children, including twin 5-year-olds and an 8-year-old. The family had sold their home in Rajasthan and planned to start a new life in the UK. Friends say they were full of hope and optimism, ready to begin a fresh chapter. Now, none of them survived.

Adding to the list of high-profile losses was Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat. He was traveling to London to visit his wife, who resides there. The news of his presence on the flight sent shockwaves through his constituency. Neighbors and supporters gathered outside his residence, holding prayers for his safety. As the grim reality unfolded, tears replaced prayers, and mourning gripped the community.

National and Global Mourning

The crash has sent shockwaves not only through India but across the world. Many of the passengers were overseas Indian nationals or international travelers. In London, where the flight was due to land, relatives and friends who had been waiting at Heathrow Airport were met with news that no one ever wants to hear.

The Indian government has launched an investigation into the crash, with aviation experts and forensic teams deployed to the site. While early reports suggest a mechanical failure, possibly in one of the engines, official confirmation is pending. Air India has grounded all Boeing 787s as a precaution and is cooperating with investigators.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, tweeting, “Heartfelt condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the tragic Air India crash. We stand with the grieving families in this moment of profound loss.” Leaders from the UK, the US, and other nations also extended condolences and offered support.

Hope Amidst Despair

Back at the Civil Hospital, relatives are grappling with a grim reality. Medical staff, counselors, and volunteers are working round the clock to support grieving families and provide whatever answers they can. Outside the hospital gates, prayer vigils continue, candles are lit, and names are whispered in hope.

The lone survivor, Vishwas Kumar Romesh, has become an unintentional symbol — not only of luck but of resilience. Speaking from his hospital bed, he reportedly said, “I don’t know why I survived. Maybe there’s a reason. Maybe I need to help the families. All I can say is — I wish this had never happened.”

For now, Romesh is recovering physically. Emotionally, like many others, the journey will be long and painful.

The Road Ahead

This crash has left scars that will take years to heal — for families, for the airline, and for the nation. Air India has promised full compensation to the victims’ families and has set up a 24-hour helpline for those seeking information.

The Civil Aviation Ministry has pledged a thorough investigation and stricter maintenance protocols for long-haul aircraft. International aviation safety organizations, including the FAA and EASA, have also offered their expertise.

But for the families of the 241 passengers who will never return home, no investigation can undo the pain. No compensation can replace a life. No words can fill the silence that now lingers in hundreds of homes.

As India mourns, it also reflects. This tragedy is a reminder that life is fleeting, that joy can turn into sorrow in an instant, and that every goodbye could be the last.’

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