One Survivor, 241 Lives Lost: Air India Crash in Ahmedabad Sends Global Shockwaves

A devastating day: Air India crash kills 241, one man survives

It’s a tragedy that has stunned not just India, but communities across the globe, including here in South Africa. An Air India flight headed for London Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, claiming 241 lives and leaving just one miraculous survivor: British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh.

The Boeing 787-8, also known as the Dreamliner, plummeted into a medical college building on Wednesday afternoon, moments after lifting off the runway. The aircraft had 242 people onboard. According to local police, Ramesh managed to leap from the emergency exit just before impact — a rare and almost unbelievable escape that has since drawn global attention.

A Crash that Hit More than the Skies

The aircraft’s impact on the ground was just as catastrophic. Part of the wreckage landed on the BJ Medical College hostel, killing at least five medical students and injuring nearly 50 others. Officials say the full death toll on the ground is still being verified.

The crash site — once a place of learning and healing — has now become the centre of grief, shock and investigation.

Prayer and Heartbreak from London to Gujarat

In the UK, which had 53 citizens onboard the flight, the Gujarati community is mourning deeply. In Neasden, northwest London, about 100 people gathered at the ornate BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir to offer prayers for those lost.

“We will offer prayers for the unfortunate people who have passed away, the passengers, the crew, the pilots,” said Yogvivekdas Swami, calling for strength and healing for grieving families.

Adding to the tragedy was a video shared by a British couple, Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, who were on the flight. The pair, known for running a spiritual wellness centre, had posted smiling Instagram Stories at the airport ahead of their return to England. They spoke excitedly about their time in India. Friends and followers flooded their page with condolences once the news broke.

Calls for Answers and Accountability

As the world tries to make sense of what went wrong, pressure is mounting for a full investigation. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in India is leading the inquiry, following international aviation protocols set by the ICAO.

Amy Leversidge of the British Airline Pilots’ Association called the crash “deeply saddening” and stressed the need for an investigation “without interference or unhelpful speculation.”

Meanwhile, British MP Shivani Raja, who represents a large Gujarati community in Leicester, has raised safety concerns directly with Air India and the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority.

“This route is very popular amongst the British Gujarati community, and many have been left understandably shaken,” she said in a statement, adding that her office remains open to support residents who have been affected.

What We Don’t Yet Know

Many questions remain. What caused the crash so soon after takeoff? How did the aircraft — a model once praised for its safety — fail so catastrophically? And what kind of support will be given to the families of the victims, including those killed on the ground?

US authorities say there’s currently “no indication” that the Dreamliner itself is to blame, but the investigation is still in its early stages.

A Tragedy That Spans Continents

This isn’t just a headline — it’s a heartbreak that spans continents. From the classrooms of Gujarat to the temples of London, families are reeling from a tragedy that took loved ones mid-journey.

And while one man’s survival has sparked disbelief and awe, the story remains rooted in profound loss.

Source:Aljazeera

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