Viswash Kumar Ramesh emerged as the sole survivor from the Air India Flight 171 crash, which claimed 241 lives. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was en route to London Gatwick when it crashed shortly after takeoff, hitting buildings near the runway. According to a New York Times report, Ramesh contacted his father from the wreckage moments after the incident.
The crash occurred on June 12 at 13:39 local time. The aircraft struck a medical college dining facility in Ahmedabad, killing five students on the ground. Preliminary reports suggest that the airplane's flaps were not extended during takeoff, and there is speculation about a twin-engine failure. Authorities from multiple countries are set to investigate further.
Boeing has faced scrutiny over safety standards following previous incidents involving its aircraft models. This crash marks the first for a Dreamliner and adds to concerns about Boeing's manufacturing quality.