Muscat: A stunning coincidence has occurred from two unrelated plane disasters decades apart: In both instances, the sole survivors were seated in seat 11A.
Ruangsak Loychusak, a Thai singer, survived the wreck of Thai Airways Flight TG261 in seat 11A. The aircraft went down in southern Thailand, killing 101 of the 146 occupants and crew. Loychusak, then 20, suffered significant injuries, including spinal trauma and brain haemorrhaging, and eventually developed aerophobia, or a fear of flying.
More than two decades later, on June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 passengers. The only survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, was also seated in 11A, a window seat close to an emergency exit. Despite suffering several injuries, he was able to walk away from the debris.
The occurrence has garnered worldwide attention and sparked online debate, with some labeling it a miracle and others emphasizing its statistical anomaly. While seat 11A is close to the emergency exit on certain planes, aviation specialists warn that no seat ensures survival in a crash.
The two incidents happened in separate decades, nations, and conditions, and they used distinct aircraft. However, the shared information has fueled speculation and intrigue, emphasizing the unpredictable character of air travel and survival.
