There were 242 people on board – 230 passengers and 12 crew members – of whom 241 tragically lost their lives. An additional 39 people died on the ground, bringing the total death toll to over 280.

A Sole Survivor: Passenger in Seat 11A

The only survivor of the crash was Vishwashkumar Ramesh, seated in 11A on the aircraft's left side. He was transported to the hospital in stable condition despite injuries. Experts say his survival was likely due to his seat position and the partial structural integrity of that section of the fuselage.

Circumstances of the Crash

The aircraft issued a “Mayday” distress signal shortly after takeoff. Witnesses reported seeing smoke trailing from the plane before it suddenly veered off course and began a steep descent. The impact hit a dormitory and a cafeteria at the B.J. Medical College campus.

The aircraft’s emergency backup system, the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), was deployed before the crash, indicating that multiple critical onboard systems may have failed.

Investigation and Technical Inspection

Flight data recorders (black boxes) have already been recovered and will play a crucial role in determining the cause of the crash. As a precaution, the airline is conducting inspections on all aircraft of the same type. The Boeing 787’s technical systems are being reviewed in detail.

A Nation in Mourning

The tragedy has deeply affected local communities and the wider public. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to clear debris and identify further victims. Emergency responders described the scene as “like something out of a disaster movie,” yet efforts continue around the clock to support survivors and the families of the deceased.