Viswashkumar Ramesh, the lone survivor of the Air India flight AI171 crash that claimed 241 lives, has opened up about his harrowing experience and the profound impact it has had on his life. The 39-year-old, who miraculously walked away from the wreckage in Ahmedabad, India, described the ordeal as both a blessing and a curse. While he considers himself the “luckiest man” alive, he is grappling with the devastating loss of his younger brother, Ajay, who perished in the crash. Ramesh, now back in Leicester, UK, is battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and has struggled to reconnect with his wife and young son. The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff in June, left 169 Indian nationals and 52 Britons dead, along with 19 others on the ground. A preliminary investigation revealed that fuel supply to the engines was cut off seconds after takeoff. Ramesh, who suffered physical injuries including leg, shoulder, knee, and back pain, has been unable to work or drive since the tragedy. His family’s fishing business in Diu, India, has collapsed, adding to their financial and emotional burdens. Air India has offered an interim compensation of £21,500, but Ramesh’s advisers argue it is insufficient. They have repeatedly requested a meeting with airline executives to address his needs, but their appeals have been ignored. Ramesh’s story highlights the long road to recovery for survivors of such tragedies and the urgent need for comprehensive support systems.
I’m the luckiest man alive, but also suffering, says Air India crash sole survivor
