SHAH ALAM – The devastating crash of an Air India flight on Thursday, which killed at least 265 people, has left the world in shock.
Among the wreckage, one passenger miraculously survived the horrific incident.
Identified as Viswashkumar Ramesh, 38, the sole survivor was found seated in seat 11A on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which had taken off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport.
According to The New York Times, Viswashkumar's brother Nayan, 27, said the former told him that he could not believe he was still alive.
Nayan added that the family had spoken to Viswashkumar while he was in hospital and advised him to remain on bed rest.
"I don't know how I'm alive," Viswashkumar told his family.
Flight, AI171, carrying 242 people, crashed moments after takeoff. The plane struck a medical college hostel, which led to a significant loss of life.
Among the deceased were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens and several others from Portugal, Canada and other regions. The flight was also carrying two pilots and 10 cabin crew members.
The bodies of 204 victims were recovered from the crash site, with the rest believed to be students and locals in the area who were affected when the plane slammed into the hostel.
The intense heat from the wreckage reportedly caused devastating destruction.
According to Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, the heat from the burning fuel severely hindered any potential efforts to save passengers.
Vishwashkumar, a British national of Indian descent, is currently recovering in a hospital after being rescued from the wreckage. His survival is a rare and miraculous occurrence as eyewitnesses described the crash as one of the most deadly in recent memory.
"When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital," Viswashkumar told the Hindustan Times.
Air India also has extended its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
"Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones," the airline said in a statement.
Among the victims confirmed dead in the crash was Gujarat former chief minister Vijay Rupani.
Meanwhile, the Indian government has promised to fully investigate the cause of the crash.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has already launched a formal investigation into the incident, with Boeing offering its assistance in the inquiry.
As the investigation continues, the airline's parent company, Tata, has pledged to provide 10 million Indian rupees (approximately US$116,863) to the families of the deceased and offer full support for medical expenses for the injured.
The company is also committed to help with the repair works of the hostel building, which was damaged in the crash.
The tragic incident has drawn condolences from both the Indian and international community, with Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing their deepest sympathies.
Modi called the incident "heartbreaking beyond words," acknowledging the shock it has brought to the country.