The 11A enigma: Two plane crashes, two survivors and one seat story - similar tales of cheating death
NEW DELHI: A Thai singer has revealed he survived a deadly 1998 plane crash that killed 101 people—while seated in 11A, the very same seat number occupied by the sole survivor of the Air India tragedy.
"The lone survivor of the plane crash in India was sitting in the same seat number as me, 11A," 47-year-old Ruangsak Loychusak said.
"I want to offer my condolences to all those who lost loved ones in the tragedy," he added.
Loychusak was aboard Thai Airways Flight TG261 from Bangkok to Surat Thani when the aircraft stalled and crashed into a swamp during its landing attempt. The disaster claimed 101 lives out of 132 passengers and 14 crew members, with 45 others sustaining injuries, the Daily Mail reported.
Describing his "second life", he recalled the trauma he had to deal with after surviving the near-death experience. "I had difficulty flying for 10 years after the crash. I would struggled breathing, even though the air circulation was normal," he said.
"I avoided speaking to anyone and always stared outside the window, blocking anyone from closing it to maintain my sense of safety. If I saw dark clouds or a rainstorm outside, I would feel terrible, like I was in hell," he added.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You
Villas in Dubai | Search ads
Learn More
Undo
Viswashkumar is the lone survivor out of the 242 aboard AI 171 and he was seated in 11A. He lost his brother in the crash, who was seated in 11J. Viswashkumar, a British citizen of Indian origin, and his brother Ajaykumar—originally from Diu—were among 15 passengers from Bucharwada and Vanakbara villages on the ill-fated flight. The brothers, who had lived in the UK for over 15 years, operated a garment business in London and managed a fishing venture in Diu.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
16 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : International Relations MCQs on Security Council of the United Nations, Tel Aviv and more (Week 114)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on International Relations to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Consider the following countries: 1. Argentina 2. Bolivia 3. Brazil 4. Chile 5. Peru 6. Colombia Which of the above countries forms the Lithium triangle? (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 6 (c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) 4, 5 and 6 Explanation — Because lithium-ion batteries are constructed of rare and expensive materials like cobalt, nickel, copper, and lithium, technological companies throughout the world have been exploring alternatives. Sodium has numerous advantages: it is far more abundant than lithium and can be extracted from seawater at relatively lower costs, unlike lithium, where availability is concentrated in a few countries and mining includes hard-rock excavations in regions other than the Li-triangle comprising Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile; and sodium is more environmentally friendly and can be transported at zero volt, making it safer, unlike lithium, which is less environmentally friendly. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. The places Haifa, Kirya, Tel Aviv were in the news. They are located in: (a) Syria (b) Iran (c) Israel (d) Lebanon Explanation — As Israel and Iran swapped missiles as their war escalated, a CNN-verified video captured the moment an Iranian missile landed near a vital military base in Tel Aviv. — Iran unleashed a volley of missiles at Israel, with sirens heard throughout the country as Tehran targeted Israel's port city Haifa. Five people were reportedly killed in the assault. — The footage, captured by a witness from an adjacent structure, shows many interceptor projectiles being launched into the night sky. Seconds later, a missile strikes the ground near Kirya, causing a tremendous explosion and sending plumes of smoke upward. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements: 1. It is an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. 2. It is situated near Turkey and Syria. 3. It is a member of the European Union (EU) despite being geographically in Asia. 4. The island nation gained independence from the British in 1960. The above mentioned statements refer to: (a) Cyprus (b) Greece (c) Lebanon (d) Israel Explanation — Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Cyprus on June 15 for the first leg of his three-nation tour, which will also see him visit Canada for the G7 summit and then Croatia. About Cyprus — Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, near Turkey and Syria. It is a member of the European Union (EU), despite its geographical location in Asia. — The island nation gained independence from the British in 1960. Its two largest groups, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, shared an uneasy power dynamic that erupted into violence three years later, necessitating the deployment of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Which of the following countries are coastal nations of the Red Sea? 1. Egypt 2. Eritrea 3. Oman 4. Jordan 5. Turkey Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1, 4 and 5 (b) 1, 2 and 4 (c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 (d) 1, 4 and 6 Explanation — Just as global shipping lines and traders were beginning to breathe a sigh of relief from high freight rates, with vessels returning to the critical Red Sea route from the longer Cape of Good Hope passage, a direct conflict between two major West Asian powers reignited fears of rising oil prices and further trade disruptions. — The Red Sea borders the following coastal nations: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Eritrea, Sudan, Israel, Yemen and Jordan. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (Other Source: Which of the following African countries is struggling with poor internet connectivity and has denied the Starlink services? (a) Niger (b) Sierra Leone (c) Zimbabwe (d) Bolivia Explanation — Websites load at a low speed. Video streams glitch and freeze. Outside of Bolivia's major cities, the nearest internet service is often hours distant via hazardous mountain roads. — Starlink, Musk's private space company's satellite internet service, has made remarkable progress in South America, reaching almost every country and providing high-speed internet to the region's most remote locations, including isolated Indigenous people living deep in the Amazon rainforest. — However, Bolivia has denied Starlink's development, refusing to grant it an operational licence last year, citing concerns about its unfettered dominance wherever it has set up shop, instead opting to rely on the country's own ageing Chinese-made satellite. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements: 1. The French Air and Space Force (FASF) and IAF participate in bi-lateral exercise called TARANG SHAKTI. 2. France was the first country with which India launched its first-ever Strategic Partnership on 26 January 1998 to deepen bilateral relations. Which of the statements given above is/are true? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation According to India-France bilateral brief, — French Air and Space Force (FASF) and IAF have been participating in bi-lateral Ex GARUDA till last year in 2023. In 2024, the IAF expanded the scope by inviting multiple nations in the form of a new exercise TARANG SHAKTI in lieu of Ex GARUDA. Statement 1 is not true. — France was the first country with which India launched its first-ever Strategic Partnership on 26 January 1998 to deepen bilateral relations. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. With reference to the Security Council of the United Nations, consider the following statements: 1. While other organs of the United Nations make recommendations to member states, only the Security Council has the power to make decisions that member states are then obligated to implement under the United Nations Charter. 2. The presidency of the Security Council shall be held only by one of the Permanent Member States, who are granted a special voting power known as the 'right to veto'. Which of the statements mentioned above is/are true? (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — Rule 18 of the Security Council's Provisional Rules of Procedure states: 'The presidency of the Security Council shall be held in turn by the members of the Security Council in the English alphabetical order of their names. Each President shall hold office for one calendar month.' Statement 2 is not true. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. (source: Consider the following operations and their corresponding events: 1. Operation Spider's Web : Russia-Ukraine Conflict 2. Operation Desert Sabre : Persian Gulf War 3. Operation Overlord : Israeli hostage rescue operation Which of the above given pairs is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — Ukraine carried out Operation Spider's Web, one of the most sophisticated drone operations in history, using 100–150 FPV drones, transported clandestinely in trucks deep into Russia. The target: five key Russian airfields. Ukrainian officials claim to have hit more than 40 Russian aircraft, including strategic bombers like the Tu-22 and Tu-95, and inflicted losses of around $7 billion. — World leaders gather on the coast of southern England in 2019 to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in history and a feat that helped bring World War Two to an end. In the early hours of June 6, 1944, more than 150,000 allied troops set off from Portsmouth and the surrounding area to begin the air, sea and land attack on Normandy that ultimately led to the liberation of western Europe from the Nazi regime. The invasion, codenamed Operation Overlord, remains the largest amphibious assault in history and involved almost 7,000 ships and landing craft along a 50-mile (80-km) stretch of the French coast. Thousands were killed on both sides. — On August 2, 1990, Iraq annexed Kuwait, its south-eastern neighbour 25 times smaller in size. Although Hussain claimed Kuwait to be a part of Iraq, he invaded the region so that Baghdad could cancel a massive debt that it owed Kuwait, as well as acquire Kuwait's large oil reserves. Hussain also sought to link the annexation with the Palestinian conflict. As Hussain refused to pay heed to the UN's many warnings, a US-led coalition, consisting of 7 lakh troops from 35 countries assembled in Saudi Arabia — Iraq's neighbour also threatened by Hussain's adventures in the region. After the January 15 deadline was flouted by Baghdad, coalition forces first launched Operation Desert Storm, which destroyed Iraq's air defences, oil refineries, and key infrastructure. This was followed by Operation Desert Sabre, a ground offensive that went on to free Kuwait. The war finally ended on February 28, 1991, when the US declared a ceasefire. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 113) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'You Ask We Answer'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Tech push for Pitripaksh Mela this time
Gaya: District magistrate (DM) Shashank Shubhankar has put emphasis on the use of technology in this year's Pitripaksh Mela, set to take place from Sept 6 to Sept 21. In a review meeting held on Saturday with senior officials and stakeholders, the DM outlined plans to integrate digital tools for the convenience of visiting pilgrims. A key directive was to tag all 'pind vedis', ritual platforms used for offerings to ancestors, on Google Maps, enabling pilgrims to easily navigate to their desired sites. He also called for the integration of an artificial intelligence-based chatbot into the existing mobile app and portals. "These advanced technologies will help the tech-savvy pilgrims to solve language-related problems and trace the landmark of desired 'pind vedis'," he said. The administration has already launched a dedicated mobile application for pilgrims, which features detailed information on pind vedis, ponds and essential contacts. This includes local priests (Panda Ji), hotels, guesthouses, dharamshalas as well as district and police officers. The app also provides logistical details to help visitors reach Gaya Ji with ease. In addition to digital upgrades, physical preparations are also. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending Local Enterprise Accounting Software [Click Here] Accounting ERP Click Here Undo Desilting of the Gaya Ji dam began on Sunday to ensure clean water for ritual bathing. The DM also directed officials to clear silt from sites such as Saraswati, Dharmaranya and Pitamaheshwar along the Falgu river. Pilgrims typically perform tarpan at eight ponds and pinddaan at 52 pind vedis stretching from Pretshila in the north of Gaya Ji town to Bodh Gaya in the south. The expansion of ghats in recent years has led to a sharp rise in attendance with around 23 lakh pilgrims visiting last year. To ensure smooth organisation, the DM asked officials to form sub-committees for physical inspections and to hold weekly review meetings. A checklist will be prepared to monitor responsibilities across departments. Further instructions included the repair of roads, slabs and drain grills in the mela area; restarting the laser light show and fountain at Vaitarni pond; replacing broken tiles at Deoghat and ensuring the availability of drinking water, as well as cleaning and maintenance of toilets and changing rooms. The DM also called for the installation of additional power transformers, adequate lighting to eliminate dark spots and proper parking and accommodation arrangements to meet the needs of the large influx of visitors. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
New Indian Express
an hour ago
- New Indian Express
Aryan Asari, the boy who recorded the viral plane crash video, talks about what he saw
Aryan Asari, a Class 12 student visiting his father from his native village in Aravalli district, became an eyewitness to Air India AI171 plane crash. He recorded the viral video, which was one of the first visuals of the plane crash that shocked the world. He talks about what he saw.
