In an extraordinary tale of survival that defied all odds, the sole survivor of one of India's most tragic aviation disasters has broken his three-decade silence in an exclusive interview. The 1990 Air India Flight 605 crash claimed 92 lives, yet against all probability, one passenger emerged alive: a four-year-old boy.
The Day That Changed Everything
On February 14, 1990, Air India Flight 605 approached Bangalore's HAL Airport, a routine domestic flight that would end in catastrophe. During its final descent, the aircraft crashed short of the runway, erupting into flames that would consume most of the wreckage and claim nearly all souls on board.
Amid the smouldering debris and unimaginable tragedy, rescue workers made an astonishing discovery: a young child, miraculously alive amidst the wreckage. This four-year-old boy had survived what should have been certain death.
The Miracle Survivor's Journey
Now, more than thirty years later, that young survivor has chosen to share his remarkable story. Though understandably retaining only fragmented memories of the actual crash, he has lived with the weight of being a "miracle child" his entire life.
"People called it a miracle, and perhaps it was," he reflects in his first public comments about the tragedy. "But surviving was only the beginning of a different kind of journey."
Investigation Findings and Lasting Impact
Official investigations into the disaster pointed to pilot error during the critical landing phase as the primary cause. The Boeing 737-2A8 aircraft, operating as a domestic flight, met its tragic end just when passengers anticipated a routine touchdown.
The crash prompted significant changes to aviation safety protocols in India, with particular attention to approach procedures at Bangalore's airport. The tragedy serves as a sombre reminder of the fragility of air travel and the importance of continuous safety improvements.
A Life Forever Changed
While the survivor prefers to maintain privacy about his current life, he acknowledges the profound impact the event has had on his perspective and choices. The knowledge that he alone survived when so many perished has shaped his worldview in ways few could comprehend.
"Every day since has felt like a gift that others never received," he shares. "It creates a responsibility to live meaningfully."
His story stands as one of aviation's most remarkable survival tales—a poignant reminder of both human vulnerability and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
