Miraculous Escape: Behind the Safety of Airplane Seats
A passenger named Viswashkumar Ramesh survived an Air India crash by being seated near an emergency exit. While this may prompt speculation about seat safety, experts say survival during crashes relies on numerous factors, and seat location alone cannot predict outcomes.

The survival story of Viswashkumar Ramesh, who escaped from an Air India plane crash that left all other passengers dead, has sparked renewed speculation about seat safety in aircraft. Seated at 11A next to an emergency exit, Ramesh was able to make a timely escape from the crashed Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Experts, however, caution against assuming that seat 11A or any particular seat guarantees safety in a plane crash. Mitchell Fox from the Flight Safety Foundation emphasizes that every accident is unique, and it is misleading to attribute survivability solely to seat location. Different plane configurations and situational factors play significant roles in determining outcomes.
Industry voices like Ron Bartsch of AvLaw Aviation Consulting offer insights, suggesting while exits can provide an advantage, their utility depends on the crash scenario. Studies show rear-end seats often have better survival odds, while proximity to exits maximizes the chance for a quick evacuation, despite the unpredictable nature of accidents.
(With inputs from agencies.)