Fact Check: "Ramesh attempted to re-enter the burning wreckage to save his brother."
What We Know
The tragic crash of Air India flight 171 occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, resulting in the deaths of 241 passengers and crew members, with only one survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh. Reports indicate that Ramesh was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after managing to escape from the wreckage (NPR). He described his escape as miraculous, stating, "I just walked out, innit" (NPR). Ramesh was traveling with his brother, Ajay, who was seated a few rows away and did not survive the crash (Yahoo News).
In the immediate aftermath of the crash, Ramesh was seen bloodied and dazed, but he did not attempt to re-enter the wreckage to save his brother. Instead, he focused on escaping the burning aircraft. He later expressed concern for his brother, stating, "Find Ajay, find Ajay" during a video call with family (Yahoo News).
Analysis
The claim that Ramesh attempted to re-enter the burning wreckage to save his brother appears to stem from sensationalized media reports. For instance, a Daily Mail article suggested that Ramesh made an effort to return to the inferno. However, this assertion is not supported by Ramesh's own accounts or by credible sources. Ramesh himself clarified that he did not need to jump out of the plane; he simply walked out after the emergency door broke due to the impact (NPR).
Moreover, the context of the crash indicates that the situation was chaotic and life-threatening, making it unlikely that Ramesh would have had the opportunity or ability to re-enter the wreckage. Eyewitness accounts and video footage show Ramesh emerging from the wreckage, but there is no evidence of him attempting to go back in (Times of India).
The reliability of the sources reporting on this claim varies; while major outlets like NPR and Yahoo News provide factual accounts based on interviews with Ramesh, other sources may prioritize sensationalism over accuracy. This discrepancy highlights the importance of verifying claims against multiple credible sources.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that Ramesh attempted to re-enter the burning wreckage to save his brother is not substantiated by credible evidence. Ramesh himself did not report any such action, and credible sources indicate that he focused on escaping the wreckage after the crash. The sensationalized portrayal of his actions does not align with the facts presented by reliable news outlets.
Sources
- Authorities investigate Air India crash in which 1 passenger ... NPR
- The sole survivor of Air India plane crash recounts his escape NPR
- Lone Air India survivor carries coffin of brother killed in crash Yahoo News
- Moment British survivor of Air India crash ... Daily Mail
- Air India plane crash wreckage: Locals rushed in to save ... CNBC TV18
- Sole survivor of Air India crash describes failed takeoff and ... WGN TV
- British father makes miracle escape as sole survivor of ... Yahoo News
- Air India plane crash: New video surfaces of lone survivor ... Times of India
