The sole survivor of the Air India plane crash that killed 241 people has described himself as the “luckiest man alive,” while revealing he continues to suffer both physically and mentally from the tragedy.
Viswashkumar Ramesh, 39, walked away from the wreckage of the London-bound flight in Ahmedabad, India, in June — an extraordinary escape that shocked the world.
Speaking to BBC News, Mr. Ramesh called his survival a “miracle” but said his life has been shattered. His younger brother Ajay, who was sitting just a few seats away, was among those killed in the crash.
“I Lost Everything”
Since returning home to Leicester, England, Mr. Ramesh has struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to his advisers. He has found it difficult to speak to his wife and four-year-old son and now spends most of his time in isolation.
“I’m only one survivor. Still, I can’t believe it. It’s a miracle,” he said through tears. “I lost my brother as well. My brother is my backbone. For years, he was always supporting me.”
He described the impact on his mental health: “Now I’m alone. I just sit in my room, not talking with my wife or my son. I just like to be alone in my house.”
The Crash and Its Aftermath
The Boeing 787 caught fire and crashed shortly after takeoff from western India, killing all but one of the 241 people on board. Shocking footage showed Mr. Ramesh walking away from the burning wreckage with only minor visible injuries.
Of the victims, 169 were Indian nationals, 52 were Britons, and 19 others died on the ground.
A preliminary investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau found that fuel supply to the engines was cut off just seconds after takeoff. The inquiry is ongoing.
Air India, owned by the Tata Group, said care for Mr. Ramesh and the families of victims “remains our absolute priority.”
Living With Trauma
Speaking at the home of community leader Sanjiv Patel in Leicester, Mr. Ramesh broke down several times as he tried to describe his ongoing pain.
“For me, after this accident… very difficult,” he said. “Physically, mentally, also my family as well. My mum, the last four months, she is sitting every day outside the door, not talking. Every day is painful for the whole family.”
He continues to suffer from leg, shoulder, knee, and back pain after escaping through a gap in the fuselage near seat 11A. “When I walk, not walk properly, slowly, slowly — my wife helps,” he said.
Mr. Ramesh’s advisers say he has not received medical treatment since returning to the UK and remains “lost and broken,” facing a long recovery.
Demands for Accountability
Mr. Patel and family spokesman Radd Seiger are calling on Air India’s leadership to meet directly with the survivor and other families.
“They’re in crisis — mentally, physically, financially,” said Patel. “Whoever’s responsible should be meeting these victims, listening to them, and understanding their needs.”
Air India has offered Mr. Ramesh £21,500 in interim compensation, which he accepted, but his advisers say it is far from enough to cover his immediate needs.
Before the crash, Mr. Ramesh and his late brother ran a family fishing business in Diu, India, which has since collapsed.
“Please Come and Sit Down With Us”
Mr. Seiger said Air India has ignored or declined three previous requests for a meeting. “The people who should be sitting here today are the executives of Air India,” he said. “Please come and sit down with us so we can work through this together.”
In response, Air India told the BBC that its senior leadership continues to meet with families of victims and had already offered to meet Mr. Ramesh before the interview.
“An offer has been made to Mr. Ramesh’s representatives to arrange such a meeting,” the airline said. “We will continue to reach out and hope to receive a positive response.”
