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Sole survivor of Air India crash describes trauma and loss
Viswashkumar Ramesh, the only survivor of the June Air India Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad that killed 241 people, has described his survival as a "miracle" while grappling with profound grief and physical injuries. In his first media interview since returning to the UK, the 39-year-old revealed he remains haunted by the tragedy, which claimed the life of his younger brother Ajay, seated just rows away.
The crash and escape
Flight AI-191, bound for London, burst into flames moments after takeoff in western India. Dramatic footage captured Ramesh walking away from the smoldering wreckage with only minor visible injuries. He later recounted unbuckling himself and crawling through a fuselage gap to escape, though he now endures chronic pain in his leg, shoulder, knee, and back. "I'm not walking properly-my wife has to help me," he told the BBC.
Investigators from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau cited a preliminary finding that fuel to the engines was cut off seconds after liftoff. The final report remains pending.
'I lost my backbone'
Ramesh's brother Ajay, whom he called his "backbone," died in the crash alongside 169 Indian nationals, 52 Britons, and 19 others killed on the ground. "I'm alone now," Ramesh said, describing how he isolates himself at home in Leicester, avoiding conversation with his wife and four-year-old son. "My mum sits outside the door all day, silent. We're all suffering."
"I'm only one survivor. Still, I'm not believing. It's a miracle... but I lost my brother. Last few years, he was always supporting me."
Viswashkumar Ramesh, crash survivor
PTSD and unmet needs
Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during hospitalization in India, Ramesh has received no treatment since returning to the UK, his advisers said. The family's fishing business in Diu, co-run with Ajay, has collapsed, compounding financial strain. Community leader Sanjiv Patel described the Ramesh household as "devastated-mentally, physically, financially."
Air India, owned by Tata Group, offered £21,500 in interim compensation, which Ramesh accepted. However, his spokespeople called the sum inadequate. "They're in crisis," Patel said. "Executives should be here, listening."
Calls for accountability
Family spokesman Radd Seiger accused Air India of ignoring three requests for meetings. "It's appalling we're forcing him to relive this publicly," Seiger said, urging the airline to engage directly. "The people responsible should be here, not us."
The airline stated it had extended an invitation to meet Ramesh's representatives before the media interviews and reiterated its commitment to supporting affected families. "Senior leaders continue to visit families to express condolences," a spokesperson said, adding that they hope for a "positive response" to their meeting offer.
Ongoing investigations
The crash remains under investigation, with Air India emphasizing that care for survivors and victims' families is its "absolute priority." No timeline for the final report has been announced.
