The extraordinary escape of the lone surviving passenger of the Air India crash

## Against All Odds: The Unbelievable Survival of the Air India 812 Lone Passenger

The year was 2010. The date, May 22nd. An Air India Express Boeing 737-800, flight IX-812, carrying 160 passengers and 6 crew members, was attempting to land at Mangalore International Airport in India. Instead, a tragedy unfolded. The aircraft overshot the runway, plunged into a wooded valley, and erupted in flames.

The crash of Air India 812 remains one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India, a harrowing event that left the nation in mourning. But amidst the devastation, a miracle occurred. One passenger, only one, defied the odds and survived. This is the extraordinary story of Krishnan Kunjunni, the lone survivor of Air India 812, and his miraculous escape from a fiery inferno.

The Descent into Disaster:

Before we delve into Krishnan's survival, it's crucial to understand the context. The Air India Express flight was travelling from Dubai to Mangalore, a routine route for many Indian expatriates returning home. As the plane approached the airport, pilot error, specifically the pilot's failure to abort a "go-around" procedure despite the aircraft's excessive speed and altitude, proved catastrophic.

The plane touched down much further down the runway than recommended, leaving insufficient distance for braking. The pilots attempted a futile takeoff, but the aircraft lifted momentarily, then crashed through the perimeter fence and plummeted into the valley below. The impact was immediate and devastating, igniting a raging fire fueled by the aircraft's fuel tanks.

Krishnan Kunjunni: From Anticipation to Inferno:

Krishnan Kunjunni, a 48-year-old small business owner returning home after a trip to Dubai, was seated in the middle of the aircraft. He had eagerly anticipated seeing his family, unaware of the impending disaster.

He remembers feeling the violent impact, a jarring crash followed by the overwhelming smell of fuel and the deafening roar of flames. The cabin quickly filled with smoke and panic. Disoriented and surrounded by chaos, Krishnan knew he had to act fast.

A Race Against Time: The Fight for Survival:

What followed was a testament to human resilience and sheer luck. Disoriented and injured, Krishnan remembers the following key elements contributing to his improbable survival:

Unbuckling His Seatbelt: In a situation where every second counted, Krishnan's quick thinking allowed him to unbuckle his seatbelt amidst the chaos. This freed him from the wreckage, offering him a chance to escape.

Finding a Gap: Amidst the debris and mangled metal, Krishnan managed to find a gap in the fuselage. It was a small opening, but it represented a glimmer of hope.

Crawling Through the Wreckage: He squeezed through the opening and began crawling through the burning wreckage. The heat was intense, the smoke thick, and the risk of further injury imminent.

Following the Sound of Screams: Guided by the faint sounds of another passenger screaming, Krishnan crawled towards the source of the noise. This led him towards the edge of the crash site.

Being Pulled to Safety: As he emerged from the wreckage, he was spotted by onlookers who bravely rushed to his aid, pulling him away from the burning aircraft.

Aftermath and Recovery:

Krishnan suffered severe burns, fractures, and smoke inhalation. He was immediately rushed to a hospital in Mangalore and then transferred to a more specialized facility in Mumbai.

The road to recovery was long and arduous. Krishnan underwent multiple surgeries and faced both physical and emotional trauma. The loss of so many lives, the near-death experience, and the physical pain took a heavy toll.

However, Krishnan's spirit remained unbroken. He received unwavering support from his family, friends, and the medical community. He persevered through countless hours of physical therapy and counselling.

Lessons Learned and the Importance of Aviation Safety:

The Air India 812 crash served as a stark reminder of the importance of aviation safety and rigorous pilot training. The subsequent investigation highlighted critical lapses in pilot judgment and training, leading to significant changes in Air India's operating procedures.

The accident emphasized the need for:

Stricter Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Ensuring pilots follow established protocols, especially during critical phases of flight.

Enhanced Training Programs: Implementing rigorous training programs that emphasize decision-making skills in emergency situations.

Improved Communication: Promoting clear and effective communication between pilots and air traffic control.

Effective Runway Safety Measures: Reviewing and strengthening runway safety measures to prevent runway overruns.

Krishnan Kunjunni: A Symbol of Hope and Resilience:

Krishnan Kunjunni's survival is not just a story of luck; it is a story of courage, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. He emerged from the ashes of tragedy as a symbol of hope, inspiring others to never give up, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

His story serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. It also underscores the crucial role of aviation safety in preventing future tragedies. Krishnan's experience, though born out of immense suffering, continues to resonate, prompting reflection and driving efforts to make air travel safer for everyone.

Where is Krishnan Kunjunni Now?

While details about Krishnan Kunjunni's current life are scarce due to his preference for privacy, reports suggest that he has largely withdrawn from the public eye, focusing on his family and personal well-being. He remains a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a poignant reminder of the lives lost in the tragic Air India 812 crash. His extraordinary survival continues to inspire and serves as a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.