ADVERTISEMENT

Miracle Escape: Sole Survivor Walks Away as Air India Flight 171 Explodes

2025-06-16
Miracle Escape: Sole Survivor Walks Away as Air India Flight 171 Explodes
Evening Standard

Dramatic new video footage has been released, capturing the astonishing moment the sole survivor of Air India Flight 171 emerged from the wreckage of the crashed plane. The clip, which has quickly gone viral, shows a man slowly walking away from the burning debris as flames engulf the fuselage behind him – a truly remarkable testament to survival against incredible odds.

Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for Gatwick, crashed on Sunday in Mangalore, India. The incident resulted in a tragic loss of life, with 154 passengers and crew confirmed dead. However, amidst the devastation, the survival of this single individual has offered a glimmer of hope and sparked widespread admiration.

The video shows the man, identified as Rajesh Marla, appearing dazed but remarkably composed as he navigates away from the wreckage. He is seen stumbling slightly, but managing to keep his balance and move away from the immediate danger zone. The intensity of the fire and the sheer scale of the wreckage are starkly evident in the background, highlighting the extraordinary nature of his escape.

Eyewitness accounts described a chaotic scene following the crash. Rescue workers and local residents rushed to the site, battling intense heat and thick smoke to try and locate survivors. The challenging terrain and the severity of the crash made the rescue operation particularly difficult.

Rajesh Marla, a junior quality control engineer for HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries. He has reportedly undergone multiple surgeries and is said to be in stable condition. The miraculous nature of his survival has prompted an outpouring of support and well wishes from across the globe.

Investigators are currently working to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that the aircraft may have been approaching the runway too low and fast. The investigation is expected to be lengthy and complex, involving the analysis of flight data recorders (black boxes) and eyewitness testimonies.

This extraordinary footage serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit. While the tragedy of Air India Flight 171 will undoubtedly be felt for a long time, the survival of Rajesh Marla offers a small but significant beacon of hope in the face of immense loss.

Watch the incredible video here: [Insert Link to Video Here - Replace with actual link]

ADVERTISEMENT
Recommendations
Recommendations