Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 – In the aftermath of the Air India AI-171 crash, survivor Viswashkumar Ramesh is being hailed as one of the lucky few who made it out alive — all thanks, he says, to seat 11A.
The tragic incident occurred when Air India’s domestic flight AI-171, en route to Delhi, crash-landed near the Ahmedabad airport shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, reportedly facing mechanical issues mid-air, burst into flames upon impact. While several passengers were injured and emergency services scrambled to control the situation, the quick-thinking actions of those near emergency exits became a key factor in saving lives.
Image source:-timesofindia.indiatimes
Ramesh, a software engineer from Gujarat, shared his harrowing experience: “There was a loud bang, smoke started filling the cabin, and people began to panic. But I was right next to the emergency exit. As soon as the crew opened it, I jumped.”
Seat 11A, often dismissed by frequent flyers for not offering extra legroom, proved to be a life-saving location this time. Positioned directly adjacent to the left-wing emergency exit, it gave Ramesh the seconds he needed to evacuate before the cabin was engulfed in flames.
He was among the first to slide down the emergency chute and immediately assisted two elderly passengers behind him. Emergency crews reported that timely exits like his helped minimize casualties.
Image source:-thehindu
According to DGCA sources, preliminary investigations suggest a failure in the hydraulic system, although an official cause is still under review. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has initiated a full inquiry and temporarily grounded the fleet model involved.
Passengers have also praised the cabin crew for their quick response, directing people toward exits with minimal chaos. Ramesh, still in shock but grateful, said, “It’s a miracle. I feel I was meant to sit on 11A that day.”
The incident has reignited discussions around aircraft safety, seating design, and the importance of familiarizing oneself with emergency procedures during flights. Safety experts have since reminded passengers to always pay attention to crew demonstrations, as knowing where exits are located can be life-saving — as proven in this case.
