PM Modi Meets the Only Survivor of India’s Deadliest Plane Crash – What He Said Will Shock You!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a poignant visit to Ahmedabad, where he met the miracle survivor of the devastating Air India Flight AI 171 crash. The Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, tragically plunged into a medical college hostel just about 30 seconds after takeoff on June 12, 2025—one of India’s worst aviation disasters in recent history.

A miraculous escape in seat 11A The lone survivor, 40‑year‑old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British‑Indian passenger seated in 11A next to an emergency exit, described a surreal, life‑saving escape: the door blew off on impact, granting him a narrow passage out of the burning wreckage. Miraculously limping away amid charred debris and fallen comrades, he recalled awakening, unfastening his belt, and fleeing the inferno—“When I opened my eyes, I realized I was alive” .

Ramesh’s relief is laced with heartbreak: his brother Ajay, only a few seats away, did not survive.

PM Modi’s hospital visit On June 13, PM Modi traveled to Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital, personally meeting Vishwash and other injured individuals, including medical students grievously harmed by the crash into the BJ Medical College hostel. Modi offered solace, emphasizing India’s collective grief and unwavering support for victims’ families. In his social media message, he described the tragedy as “beyond words,” pledging national assistance .

Ongoing rescue, identification, and investigation Rescue teams continue their efforts at the crash site while authorities conduct DNA testing to identify the severely damaged remains of 241 victims aboard, plus at least 28 people on the ground. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, supported by international experts from the NTSB, FAA, Boeing, and GE, is probing the crash. The aircraft—12 years old—marked the first fatal incident for a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction.

The aftermath and broader implications The hostelling of medical students turned into a nightmarish scene: at least 50 students were hospitalized, several critically injured, and four confirmed dead on the ground. India’s Home Minister and state officials responded swiftly, deploying NDRF units, army personnel, engineers, and heavy machinery to assist in rescue and debris clearance .

Analysts note the crash has triggered global scrutiny over Boeing 787 safety and India’s aviation oversight, with Modi’s presence underscoring the government’s commitment to accountability and renovation.

In Reflection

Modi’s compassionate engagement with the sole survivor and other injured underscores the human dimension of national tragedy. Ramesh’s escape from seat 11A stands as a testament to courage amidst chaos. As investigation proceeds, efforts focus on justice for victims, healing for the community, and restoring trust in air travel safety.

Would you like more details on the investigation, survivor’s medical status, or the impact on Air India’s future operations?

🩺 Survivor’s Condition & Firsthand Account

• Vishwash’s injuries: He suffered burns to his chest, face, and feet, alongside multiple impact injuries. Medical staff describe him as disoriented but stable and out of critical danger.
• The escape: In seat 11A—directly beside an emergency exit—he awoke amid twisted metal and bodies. “The door must’ve broken on impact,” he told officials. “I opened my eyes … I pulled out my seat belt and got out. I thought I would die”.
• Miracle of seat 11A: British and Indian media branded his survival the “miracle of seat 11A.” He reportedly swapped seats last minute, landing in the only position where escape was possible.
• Personal loss: His brother Ajaykumar (aka Nayankumar), sitting across aisle in 11J, tragically perished.

👥 PM Modi’s Compassionate Engagement

• Hospital and site visits: On June 13, PM Modi visited Civil Hospital’s C7 ward—where Vishwash and 25 others receive care—and met rescue teams and staff.
• Words of solidarity: He described the crash as “heartbreaking beyond words,” pledged national support, and emphasized building more robust aviation safety standards.
• On-site review: Modi also toured the crash zone near the medical college hostel, briefing with NDRF, state officials, and aviation authorities.

🚨 Rescue & Identification Efforts

• Victims and recovery: Of 242 aboard, 241 perished (plus 28 on the ground), with 269 bodies received at the. Over 1,000 DNA samples are being processed, though 81+ identifications have begun.
• Injured survivors: At least 30–50 medical students were injured; dozens remain hospitalized, some critically .
• Ongoing search: Teams are combing the debris for the second black box, aircraft fragments, and evidence.

🔍 Investigation & Aviation Safety

• Black box retrieval: Officials have located at least one flight data recorder, with the cockpit voice recorder still missing and being sought .
• Investigative collaboration: The Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is leading the probe, with contributions from Boeing, GE Aerospace, FAA, NTSB, and othersSpeculated causes: Preliminary theories suggest mechanical failure, a bird strike, wing flap issues, or dual engine malfunction in extreme heat. The Cockpit “Mayday” call reported power loss

🏛️ Wider Impact & Response

• Aircraft background: The Boeing 787‑8 (VT‑ANB), delivered in 2014, marks the first fatal Dreamliner crash since its debut in 2011.
• Regulatory response: The DGCA has ordered immediate inspections of Air India’s 787 fleet
• Political dimension: Global condolences are coming in from the UK, Canada, and beyond. The crash has cast a spotlight on Boeing’s safety and Air India’s maintenance policies—all drawing comparisons to India’s 2020 incident and raising fresh regulatory scrutiny