‘I saw people dying in front of my eyes’: British survivor describes Air India crash

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"British Survivor Recalls Horror of Air India Crash That Killed 241"

‘I saw people dying in front of my eyes’: British survivor describes Air India crash analysis cover image The Guardian 6.1
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/13/saw-people-dying-british-survivor-describes-air-india-plane-crash
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AI Analysis Average Score: 6.1
These scores (0-10 scale) are generated by Truthlens AI's analysis, assessing the article's objectivity, accuracy, and transparency. Higher scores indicate better alignment with journalistic standards. Hover over chart points for metric details.

TruthLens AI Summary

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British survivor of the recent Air India crash, recounted the harrowing experience of witnessing death and destruction as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner collided with a medical college shortly after takeoff. Speaking from his hospital bed, Ramesh described how the aircraft felt as if it was 'stuck in the air' moments before the crash. He recalled the flickering of green and white lights in the cabin, which signaled an impending disaster. The plane crashed into a building with a catastrophic explosion, killing all 241 passengers on board. Ramesh shared his disbelief at surviving the incident, stating that he initially thought he was dead. However, upon regaining consciousness, he found a way to escape the wreckage by crawling through an opening in the fuselage, despite seeing others perish around him, including crew members and fellow passengers.

The tragedy, which occurred on a Thursday, has been marked as one of the deadliest plane crashes involving British nationals, and it is the first incident involving a 787 aircraft. The crash also resulted in the deaths of at least five medical students, with around 50 others injured on the ground. The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, visited the crash site the following day and met with Ramesh in the hospital. Local communities have begun mourning the loss of their loved ones, including families and individuals from various backgrounds. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with experts speculating on potential mechanical failures such as engine failure or incorrect wing flap settings. The Air India CEO visited the crash area but did not address the media. British nationals affected by the incident have been advised to seek consular assistance as authorities work to ascertain the full scope of the tragedy.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article highlights a tragic event involving an Air India plane crash, focusing on the harrowing experience of a British survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh. Through his account, the narrative sheds light on the chaos and fear experienced during the crash, aiming to evoke empathy and a sense of urgency regarding aviation safety protocols.

Purpose of the Article

The publication seems to aim at raising awareness about the dangers of air travel and the emotional toll such incidents have on survivors and the families of victims. By detailing Ramesh's dramatic escape, the article frames the crash as not just a statistic but a human tragedy, emphasizing the personal experiences of those involved.

Public Perception

This report could create a sense of fear and anxiety among the public regarding air travel safety, especially since it involves a modern aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The vivid descriptions of the crash might lead readers to question the reliability of current aviation safety measures.

Information Omission

While the article provides a gripping personal account, it may not delve deeply into the technical aspects of the crash or the broader implications for airline safety regulations. This could lead to a perception that the narrative is more focused on emotional impact rather than a comprehensive analysis of the incident.

Manipulation Assessment

The article contains elements that could be deemed manipulative, such as the emphasis on the survivor's emotional state and the graphic descriptions of the crash. This language choice may serve to elicit strong emotional reactions, potentially overshadowing more rational discussions about aviation safety and investigation processes.

Truthfulness of the Article

The account appears credible, as it includes direct quotes from a survivor and mentions official responses, such as the Indian Prime Minister's visit to the crash site. However, the focus on emotional storytelling could lead to questions about the complete accuracy of the information presented.

Societal Implications

The crash and the surrounding narratives could influence public sentiment towards the aviation industry, possibly leading to calls for more stringent safety regulations. Economically, airlines might experience a decline in consumer confidence, affecting ticket sales and stock prices.

Target Audience

This type of reporting might resonate more with individuals concerned about aviation safety, as well as families who have experienced similar tragedies. It appeals to a broad audience but especially those who prioritize emotional storytelling and human interest elements in news.

Market Impact

In terms of market implications, stocks related to airlines and aviation manufacturers, particularly Boeing, could be adversely affected by negative press surrounding such incidents. Investors may become wary of potential fallout from investigations and safety scrutiny.

Geopolitical Context

Although the crash itself may not have direct geopolitical implications, it could spark discussions about aviation safety protocols in international forums, particularly regarding the responsibilities of countries in ensuring the safety of international flights.

AI Influence

It is unlikely that AI played a significant role in the writing of this article, as it primarily relies on human sentiment and firsthand accounts. If AI were involved, it might have been in the data gathering phase or in drafting initial reports, but the emotional depth and personal storytelling suggest a human touch in the writing.

In conclusion, while the article provides a compelling narrative about a tragic event, its focus on emotional storytelling and survivor accounts may overshadow a broader discussion on aviation safety and investigation, raising questions about its overall balance and intentions.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/13/saw-people-dying-british-survivor-describes-air-india-plane-crash

The British survivor of the AirIndiaplane crash has described the horror of watching people “dying in front of my eyes”.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh said he thought he was dead when the plane crashed into a building, before realising he was alive and escaping the wreckage.

Speaking from his hospital bed, the 40-year-old told DD News the plane felt like it was “stuck in the air” shortly after takeoff before lights began flickering green and white, adding: “It suddenly slammed into a building and exploded.”

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner struck a medical college as itcrashed in a fireball on Thursday, killing the other 241 people onboard.

It is one of the deadliest plane crashes in terms of the number of British nationals killed, and the first involving a 787.

Ramesh said: “I can’t believe how I came out of it alive. For a moment, I felt like I was going to die too but when I opened my eyes and looked around, I realised I was alive. I still can’t believe how I survived.”

Ramesh told the broadcaster: “When the flight took off, within five to 10 seconds it felt like it was stuck in the air. Suddenly, the lights started flickering – green and white.

“The aircraft wasn’t gaining altitude and was just gliding before it suddenly slammed into a building and exploded. At first, I thought I was dead. Later, I realised I was still alive and saw an opening in the fuselage.

“I managed to unbuckle myself, used my leg to push through that opening, and crawled out. I don’t know how I survived,” he said. “I saw people dying in front of my eyes – the air hostesses, and two people I saw near me ... I walked out of the rubble.”

The crash site was visited by the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, on Friday, with video footage showing him talking to Ramesh in hospital.

At least five medical students were killed and about 50 injured. There are fears the number of people killed on the ground could rise.

Investigations are continuing into the cause of the crash.British couple Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, who ran a spiritual wellness centre, were said to be among the dead.

The Gloucester Muslim Community group offered “sincere and deepest condolences” after Akeel Nanabawa, his wife, Hannaa, and their four-year-old daughter, Sara, were reported to be among the victims.

Raj Mishra, the mayor of Wellingborough in Northamptonshire, called for people to come together as he announced the deaths of “Raxa Modha, infant Rudra Modha, and Ms K Mistri” in his constituency.

Aviation experts have speculated about the possible causes of the crash, from both engines failing – possibly due to a bird strike, as happened in the“Miracle on the Hudson” in 2009– to the flaps on the aircraft’s wings not being set to the correct position for takeoff.

The Air India chief executive, Campbell Wilson, visited the area, according to the BBC, but did not take questions from the media.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said any British nationals requiring consular assistance, or who had concerns about family or friends, should call 020 7008 5000.

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Source: The Guardian