Ahmedabad: Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday, claiming the lives of 241 out of the 242 passengers and crew members on board. Amidst this tragedy, one person—Vishwaskumar Ramesh—miraculously survived the crash and is currently undergoing treatment at Civil Hospital.

The aircraft, 186 feet long and 56 feet high, had a wingspan of 197 feet. After takeoff, the tail section first struck the roof of the Mess at BJ Medical College campus, causing the plane to break apart and crash into the hostel compound. As the aircraft skidded, the left wing struck the fourth tower and broke off. One engine detached and landed near the third tower, while another section broke off, and the nose of the aircraft came to rest about 30 feet from the compound wall—between the first tower and the wall. This was the front section of the aircraft, the business class area, where former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was seated.

Vishwaskumar, who was seated in 11A near the emergency exit, managed to escape through the broken hatch. However, there were a number of coincidences that played a role in saving his life:

Coincidence 1: The front part of the plane broke apart
Seat number 11A on this aircraft is generally disliked by passengers because it is next to the emergency exit door on the left side. It offers no view and is usually among the last to disembark. But for Vishwas, a native of Deewa and a British citizen, this seat turned out to be fortunate. The aircraft broke apart right in front of his seat, giving him an opening to escape.

Coincidence 2: The fuel tank was behind him
The fuel tank, containing around 150,000 liters of fuel, was located just four rows behind Vishwas’s seat. Although there was a massive explosion, he managed to flee before the fire could reach his section.

Coincidence 3: Vishwas’s seat landed at a specific spot
Part of Vishwas’s seat got lodged between the first and second towers. Since there was open space between these buildings, he was able to exit the compound quickly and safely.

Coincidence 4: An ambulance was nearby
A gate was visible just a short distance from the wreckage. After walking barely 50 steps, Vishwas found an ambulance waiting nearby, which immediately transported him for medical treatment.