British passenger in seat 11A survives India aircraft crash, stories say

A person survived the Air India crash that killed a minimum of 200 other folks, a police leader has informed an Indian information company.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik informed ANI there was once one survivor who was once in seat 11A at the London-bound Boeing 787-8 flight – a seat the flight manifest shared by way of government stated was once British nationwide Vishwashkumar Ramesh.

His cousin in Leicester, Ajay Valgi, informed the BBC that Mr Ramesh known as his circle of relatives to mention he was once “fine” however he does now not know the whereabouts of his brother, Ajay who was once additionally at the aircraft.

Video shared on social media confirmed Mr Ramesh strolling in opposition to an ambulance, with smoke billowing within the background.

Indian media stated Mr Ramesh shared his boarding go, which confirmed his title and seat quantity.

He has a spouse and kid. The BBC understands he was once born in India, however has lived in the United Kingdom for a few years.

Commissioner Malik informed ANI the survivor “has been in the hospital and is under treatment”.

He informed the BBC that 204 our bodies were recovered, whilst 41 other folks had been being handled for accidents.

There had been 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian at the London Gatwick Airport-bound flight, Air India stated.

The aircraft crashed into lodging utilized by medical doctors not up to a minute after take-off.

In a commentary from the King, he stated he and his spouse had been “desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning”.

“Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones,” the commentary added.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has organized disaster groups in India and the United Kingdom.

He informed the Commons: “We know that British nationals were on board and I can confirm that the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) is working urgently with local authorities to support British nationals and their families, and has stood up a crisis team in both Delhi and in London.”

London Gatwick Airport showed {that a} reception centre for kinfolk of passengers was once being arrange the place knowledge can be equipped, and that it was once liaising intently with Air India.

It stated on X: “British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 0207 008 5000.”

Air India flight AI171 left Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 native time (08:09 GMT), Air India stated.

It was once scheduled to land at London Gatwick at 18:25 BST.

One video verified by way of the BBC displays the aircraft descending ahead of a big explosion because it hits the bottom.