A British man who miraculously survived a devastating is being compared to near-indestructible character in Unbreakable, after defying all odds and walking away from the wreckage. Ramesh Vishwaskumar Bucharvada, 40, was the sole survivor of Flight AI171, which went down just 30 seconds after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew when it suffered a catastrophic incident en route to London Gatwick.
The miraculous survival has sparked a frenzy online, with many comparing Vishwash to Bruce Willis's character David Dunn from Unbreakable, the sole survivor of a deadly train crash who later discovers he has superpowers. One user on X wrote: "I'm pretty sure he's Bruce Willis from Unbreakable." Another added, "Bruce Willis's character is the only survivor of a train crash that kills 100 odd people. Turns out he has superpowers."
A third posted, "Nah wtf. This guy moving like Bruce Willis in Unbreakable," while another simply said, "This gives me Bruce Willis vibes. Miracles do happen."
The survivor spoke to media after his miraculous survival, saying: "Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly," Vishwash told The Hindustan Times from his hospital bed.
He had been visiting family in India with his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, 45, and was returning to the UK when tragedy struck.
Incredibly, he was seen walking away from the wreckage, having reportedly jumped from the aircraft moments before the crash. Authorities confirmed he was seated in 11A, next to the emergency exit.
He sustained "impact injuries" to his chest, eyes and feet, according to News18 and HT, and remains under close observation in hospital.
The Ahmedabad Police Commissioner, G.S. Malik, initially told the Associated Press that there were "no survivors" from the crash, but later retracted the statement via News18, clarifying: "My earlier statement was misquoted."
He confirmed: "One individual has been found alive. He is currently undergoing treatment in hospital. Doctors are closely monitoring status."
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson released a statement expressing the airline's deep regret, confirming that the aircraft was "involved in an accident after takeoff" and saying: "We are actively working with the authorities on all of the emergency response efforts."
He added, "A special team of caregivers from Air India is on the way to Ahmedabad to provide additional support."
The airline said its teams "are working around the clock to support passengers, crew and their families as well as investigators however we can."