Sole survivor of plane crash that killed 241 people on board flight speaks out

A British man has survived a plane crash that killed more than 240 passengers and crew aboard the flight in India. The BBC identified him as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh. He was in seat 11A on the flight bound for London when it crashed just after takeoff in western India on Thursday, June 12.

Sole survivor

The sole survivor of the Air India plane carrying 242 people is a 40-year-old British national of Indian origin, according to the airline. He told The Hindustan Times that “Thirty seconds after take off, there was a loud noise, and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly,” said Ramesh.

Ramesh was traveling along with his brother, according to his relatives from the United Kingdom.

The nationalities of those killed

Air India officials said among those killed were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven people from Portugal and one Canadian. The airline released a statement in response to the crash on X. 

Air India and Trump’s response

“Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Our efforts now are focused on the needs of all those affected, their families and their loved ones,” the statement read. 

President Donald Trump called the plane crash “one of the worst in aviation history” and offered to help India. 

Probe

An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. The Boeing 787 hit multiple buildings, and The Hindustan Times reports that more than 260 bodies were brought to a local hospital. The black box from the flight has also been found. 

US sends investigators

The U.S. is sending investigators to the crash site as the aircraft was American-made. Currently, it’s unclear what caused the plane to plummet shortly after takeoff, but Air India stated that the crew issued a mayday call shortly after departure.