Air India Crash Survivor Calls Himself the Luckiest Yet Most Broken Man
The Air India crash survivor, Viswashkumar Ramesh, has described himself as both “the luckiest man alive” and a man in unbearable pain. He was the only passenger to survive the horrific Air India plane crash that killed 241 people earlier this year.
Ramesh walked away from the wreckage of the London-bound flight from Ahmedabad, India, in what many have called a miracle. But survival came with immense loss: his younger brother, Ajay, who was sitting just a few rows away, did not make it.
Air India Crash Survivor Opens Up About His Emotional Struggles
Since returning to his home in Leicester, the Air India crash survivor has been battling severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). His advisers confirmed he has isolated himself from his wife and four-year-old son, struggling to speak or connect with anyone.
“I’m only one survivor. Still, I can’t believe it,” Ramesh said in an interview with BBC News. “I lost my brother too. He was my backbone. Every day is painful.”
Ramesh’s mother, still in India, has reportedly been sitting outside their home daily, unable to process the loss. His family and community describe his condition as fragile, both mentally and physically.
Physical Pain Lingers Long After the Crash
The Air India crash survivor escaped through an opening in the fuselage near seat 11A, but his body has not recovered. He continues to suffer from leg, back, shoulder, and knee pain, making it difficult to walk, work, or even drive.
He has not received consistent medical treatment in the United Kingdom, despite having been diagnosed with PTSD in India immediately after the crash. His wife now helps him move around the house, a stark contrast to the active life he once led.
“When I walk, it’s slow and painful,” he said. “Every step reminds me of that day.”
The Family’s Business and Financial Collapse
Before the crash, Ramesh and his brother ran a successful fishing business in Diu, India. After his brother’s death and Ramesh’s injuries, the business has collapsed, leaving the family financially devastated.
According to his adviser, Sanjiv Patel, “They are in crisis, mentally, physically, and financially. The family has lost everything and needs urgent help.”
Ramesh accepted an interim compensation of £21,500 from Air India, but his team says it is far from enough to cover his recovery needs and financial losses.
Community Leaders Demand Accountability from Air India
Ramesh’s advisers, including spokesperson Radd Seiger, are urging Air India to meet with victims’ families and offer direct support.
“Whoever is responsible at the highest level should be sitting here with the survivors,” Seiger said. “These families need to be heard, and the suffering needs to be addressed.”
His team has requested meetings with the airline on three occasions, but they say each request was ignored or declined.
In response, Air India, which is owned by Tata Group, stated that its senior leaders “continue to reach out to families to express their condolences” and that they “hope to meet with Mr. Ramesh soon.”
The airline also emphasized that caring for affected families “remains an absolute priority.”
Findings from the Air India Crash Investigation
A preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau of India found that the plane’s fuel supply was cut off just seconds after take-off, leading to an immediate engine shutdown.
The tragic accident claimed:
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169 Indian nationals
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52 British nationals
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19 individuals on the ground
The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full chain of technical and operational failures that led to the crash.
Air India Crash Survivor’s First Interview Since Returning to the UK
This interview marks the first time the Air India crash survivor has spoken publicly since returning to the United Kingdom. Surrounded by community leaders, Ramesh broke down during several moments as he tried to recall the incident.
“I can’t talk about the crash,” he said softly. “Every time I try, it comes back in my dreams.”
His advisers have emphasized that his participation in media interviews is part of a broader effort to push Air India toward action and greater accountability.
Meeting with Prime Minister Modi After the Crash
While being treated in an Indian hospital after the crash, Ramesh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed sympathy and support. However, since that meeting, the survivor says he has received little to no direct help from either the airline or the Indian government.
The contrast between the early attention and the later silence has left him and his family feeling forgotten.
The Long Road Ahead for the Air India Crash Survivor
Community members in Leicester are now helping organize mental-health and legal support for Ramesh. His advisers stress that his recovery will be long and complex.
“He’s lost his brother, his livelihood, and his peace of mind,” said Patel. “It’s a miracle he’s alive, but he’s deeply broken inside.”
They hope the ongoing public attention will pressure Air India and the Indian authorities to provide proper compensation, medical care, and emotional support.
What Comes Next for Air India and the Families
As investigations continue, the Air India crash survivor and other affected families await answers and justice. Aviation experts believe the findings could prompt new safety protocols and accountability measures for airlines operating in India.
Until then, survivors and families are left waiting, hoping that their suffering will not be ignored.
