Air India Crash Survivor Shares Pain and Miracle Escape

Air India crash survivor Viswashkumar Ramesh recounts his miraculous escape, deep grief, and struggle for justice after losing his brother in the tragedy.

The Sole Survivor’s Miracle and Struggle

The Air India crash that killed 241 passengers left only one survivor — Viswashkumar Ramesh, a 39-year-old man from Leicester. He describes himself as “the luckiest man alive,” yet every day feels like a battle between survival and suffering.

Ramesh escaped from the burning wreckage of the London-bound Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad. His survival shocked the world, but his heart broke when he realized his younger brother Ajay, who sat a few seats away, had died. “My brother was my backbone,” he said tearfully.

Living with Unbearable Memories

Since returning to the UK, Ramesh has struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He avoids social contact and rarely speaks to his wife or four-year-old son. Instead, he isolates himself in silence, trying to cope with the haunting memories of that night.

“Every day feels painful,” he said. “I can’t sleep, and I can’t talk to anyone. My mother sits outside the house all day, saying nothing.”

Enduring Physical Pain

Besides emotional trauma, Ramesh still suffers from pain in his leg, knee, shoulder, and back. His movements are slow, and he relies on his wife for support. Because of his injuries, he cannot work or drive. Despite progress in healing, his recovery remains difficult.

A Struggle for Fair Support

Air India offered an interim compensation of £21,500, but Ramesh’s advisers say the amount barely covers his immediate needs. After losing their fishing business in Diu, which he once managed with his brother, his family faces financial collapse.

Community leader Sanjiv Patel said, “They are suffering mentally, physically, and financially. Air India should meet them directly and understand their pain.”

Family spokesman Radd Seiger added, “Executives must take responsibility. They need to sit with us and help this family rebuild their life.”

Air India’s Statement

Air India, owned by Tata Group, insists it continues to contact victims’ families. The airline said it offered to meet Ramesh’s representatives before his recent media interviews. Still, his advisers say communication and care remain insufficient.