AHMEDABAD, India — A British national has emerged as the lone survivor of the Air India flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, western India, that killed at least 200 people in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters in decades.

Vishwashkumar Ramesh, who was seated in 11A on the London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, survived the fiery crash that occurred shortly after takeoff on Thursday.

The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, slammed into a residential complex just minutes after departure from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

Ramesh was seen walking away from the wreckage toward an ambulance, covered in blood, as smoke billowed behind him.

He is currently receiving treatment in hospital, where he was visited by Indian Interior Minister Amit Shah. Local authorities confirmed his identity after he shared his boarding pass.

His brother, speaking from the family home in Leicester, said the family is still trying to comprehend how Ramesh managed to escape the crash alive.

“He said, ‘I have no idea how I exited the plane,’” his brother said. Ramesh’s cousin added that he had facial injuries but was doing well.

Ramesh, who was born in India and has lived in the UK for several years, was traveling with other relatives. His cousin Ajay remains unaccounted for.

According to Air India, the flight carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.

The airline has activated emergency response centers and support services for families of those on board.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik told Indian media that 204 bodies had been recovered so far, with at least 41 people hospitalized with injuries. He confirmed that Ramesh was the only known survivor.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the government was working to verify reports of a British survivor. "Our thoughts are with all the families devastated by this awful tragedy," he said.

King Charles also issued a statement expressing shock and sorrow. “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,” the statement said.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has deployed crisis response teams in both India and the UK. London Gatwick Airport confirmed a dedicated reception center is being set up for relatives.

Among the British victims identified by community groups were Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee, and their daughter Sara.

The crash site, a residential area housing doctors, was engulfed in flames after the plane—fully fueled for its international journey—plummeted less than a minute into flight. Verified footage shows the aircraft descending rapidly before erupting in a massive explosion.

This marks the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Boeing confirmed it is assisting Indian authorities with the investigation.

The tragedy casts a shadow over the upcoming Paris Air Show, where major aerospace manufacturers were set to showcase their latest aircraft. — BBC