British National Survives Fatal Plane Crash in India

A 40-year-old British national, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, has been identified as the sole survivor of a devastating plane crash that occurred shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad on Thursday morning.

The London-bound Boeing 787-8 aircraft went down just moments after leaving the runway, sending shockwaves across the region and beyond. Authorities confirmed that only one passenger survived the crash, which claimed the lives of dozens.

“Just thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise and the plane went down. It all happened so fast,” Vishwash recounted in an interview with Hindustan Times from his hospital bed. He sustained multiple injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet, described by doctors as “impact-related.”

Vishwash had been visiting family in India and was returning to the United Kingdom alongside his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, 45, who is feared to be among the deceased.

“I still had my boarding pass in my pocket,” he said. “When I regained consciousness, there were bodies all around me. I was terrified. I stood up and ran. Debris was everywhere. Someone found me, put me in an ambulance, and I was rushed to the hospital.”

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik confirmed that the survivor had been seated in 11A, a detail that matched the flight manifest shared with the media. “There is one confirmed survivor — a British national,” he said. The manifest identifies that passenger as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh.

In the wake of the tragedy, messages of condolence have poured in from around the world. In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed their deep sorrow and concern.

“We are desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning,” the statement read. “Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones.”

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also addressed the House of Commons, confirming that British citizens were aboard the flight. “The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is working urgently with Indian authorities to assist British nationals and their families. Crisis response teams have been activated in both Delhi and London,” he said.

Investigations into the cause of the crash are currently underway, as rescue teams continue their recovery efforts at the crash site. The airline and local aviation authorities have pledged full cooperation in uncovering the circumstances behind the tragedy

South Africa Flood Disaster Leaves at Least 49 Dead, Dozens Missing

At least 49 people have died and many more are missing following catastrophic flooding in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, where days of relentless rainfall and snowfall triggered by an extreme cold front have devastated communities and critical infrastructure.

The deadly weather system swept across parts of southern and eastern South Africa over the weekend, inundating towns, destroying homes, and leaving hundreds stranded. Authorities say the death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue across the region.

“As we speak here, other bodies are being discovered,” said Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane at a press briefing. “I have never seen something like this,” he added, expressing shock at the scale of destruction.

Among the dead are six high school students who were swept away when their school bus was caught in rising floodwaters near a river. Four other students remain missing. The bus was located on Wednesday, but it was empty. Three students were rescued the day before, found clinging to trees as waters surged around them.

The provincial government confirmed that 58 schools and 20 healthcare facilities sustained damage in the flooding. Approximately 500 people have been displaced, with many housed in temporary shelters after their homes were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable.

Disaster response teams have been deployed across the Eastern Cape and neighboring KwaZulu-Natal province. Efforts are ongoing to locate missing persons, deliver aid to affected areas, and assess the full extent of the damage.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the victims’ families and pledged government support. His office confirmed that the National Disaster Management Centre is coordinating with provincial authorities to assist with emergency relief and recovery operations.

The disaster has once again highlighted the vulnerability of South Africa’s infrastructure and communities to extreme weather events, which scientists warn are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.

As search teams continue their work, officials urge caution, with additional rainfall forecast in some affected areas. Recovery efforts are expected to extend for weeks as families mourn, communities rebuild, and the nation grapples with the tragedy’s full impact.

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Terror Leader Calls for Attacks on Trump, U.S. Officials Over Israel Support

The leader of al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, has publicly called for the assassination of former President Donald Trump and senior American officials, citing their staunch support for Israel. The threats were made in a video shared on social media platform X.

In the video, AQAP leader Sa’ad bin Atef al-Awlaki urged Muslims residing in the United States to carry out attacks against American targets. “We call on all Muslims in America—regardless of their origin, whether American, Arab, or otherwise—what matters is that their prophet is Muhammad,” he declared. “There are 4.5 million Muslims in America. I say to all of them: revenge, revenge. Do not consult anyone about killing infidels. You should be determined, and your targets should be effective.”

Al-Awlaki specifically named Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and entrepreneur Elon Musk—described as an advisor on administration, finance, and technology—as priority targets. He also called for attacks on the U.S. Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, their families, and anyone closely associated with the White House.

The U.S. State Department has previously offered a $6 million reward for information leading to al-Awlaki’s capture.

In the same video, the AQAP leader praised individuals responsible for recent antisemitic terror attacks and lauded previous attempts on Trump’s life. His message arrives amid rising concerns over domestic terrorism and political violence in the United States.

Earlier in his current term, President Trump enacted a controversial travel ban affecting citizens from twelve predominantly Muslim countries, citing heightened national security threats.

The U.S. government’s unwavering support for Israel, especially in its ongoing conflict with Hamas, has drawn both international criticism and domestic backlash. Human rights organizations and various international observers have raised concerns over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.

Medics said the wounded were transported to Al-Awda Hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp and to Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City.

Trump himself has been the target of multiple assassination attempts over the past year.

These incidents underscore a growing security challenge as political tensions escalate both domestically and abroad.