As investigations continue into the Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, a Thai singer has come forward with a remarkable claim—he once survived a deadly plane crash while seated in the same seat as the sole survivor of the recent disaster: 11A.
Thai pop star Ruangsak “James” Loychusak, now 47, revealed that he was in seat 11A during the 1998 crash of Thai Airways flight TG261, which went down en route from Bangkok to India, killing 101 people. He was one of the few survivors.
His revelation came days after it emerged that 11A was the seat occupied by Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the only passenger to survive the Air India Dreamliner crash, which occurred shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad last Thursday. The aircraft was carrying 242 people.
Taking to Facebook, Loychusak wrote: “The lone survivor of the plane crash in India was sitting in the same seat number as me, 11A. Goosebumps.”
The singer said the 1998 crash left him deeply traumatized. He suffered from aerophobia, avoided social interactions, and experienced severe anxiety when flying. “If I saw dark clouds or rainstorms outside the plane window, I felt like I was in hell,” he was quoted as saying by MailOnline. “I can still remember the sounds, smells, and even the taste of the swamp water where the plane crashed.”
Although he no longer has the original boarding pass, contemporary newspaper records confirm his seat number as 11A. He described surviving the crash as a “second life” and extended his condolences to families affected by the recent Air India tragedy.
The uncanny coincidence has triggered widespread curiosity and social media buzz around seat 11A, with some speculating whether it’s merely chance—or something more.
The cause of the Air India crash is under investigation by aviation authorities.
Investigators on Friday recovered the flight data recorder from the Air India aircraft that crashed into a residential area of Ahmedabad, killing 241 passengers and several people on the ground.
The London-bound Boeing 787 went down shortly after takeoff on June 12, striking a medical college hostel in a densely populated neighborhood. The aircraft’s black box, which stores crucial technical and flight performance data, was found on a rooftop near the crash site.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) confirmed the recovery and said a full-scale investigation is now underway. Officials believe the flight recorder will be key to determining the cause of the disaster.
The aircraft, operating as Flight AI-171 to London Gatwick, went down minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 p.m. IST. It crashed into a crowded residential area near BJ Medical College, triggering a massive fire and large-scale emergency response.
“I Don’t Know How I Survived,” Says Sole Survivor of Air India Crash in Emotional Meeting with PM Modi
On board were 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including two pilots and ten cabin crew. Miraculously, one passenger—a British national of Indian origin seated in 11A—survived and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Passenger Details and Official Response
Air India released a statement confirming the accident and the number of casualties. The airline shared that the 12-year-old Dreamliner was carrying 242 people in total. The sole survivor’s condition is reported to be stable.
The breakdown of nationalities on board includes:169 Indian nationals,53 British nationals,7 Portuguese nationals,1 Canadian national
Air India expressed its grief and extended condolences to the victims’ families. “Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. We are fully focused on providing assistance and support during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read.
Prime Minister Modi Visits Crash Site
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ahmedabad early Friday to assess the situation and offer support. He met with local officials, emergency responders, and the medical team treating the lone survivor. The Prime Minister also spent time with the survivor’s family and those affected by the tragedy.
“This is a heartbreaking day for the country,” said PM Modi. “My deepest condolences go out to all the families who have lost loved ones. The government will ensure all necessary help is provided.”
He has ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash and promised full cooperation between central agencies, aviation authorities, and international experts.
