标签： Asia

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.

Bali authorities have halted the construction of a 182-meter cliffside glass elevator on Kelingking Beach, one of the Indonesian province’s most iconic locations, following widespread criticism over environmental concerns and the destruction of natural beauty. The project, initiated by Chinese developer China Kaishi Group, aimed to provide easier access to the beach for tourists. However, images of the initial construction cutting through the famous ‘T-Rex cliff’ sparked outrage on social media, with locals and visitors alike condemning the project for accelerating erosion and marring the area’s pristine landscape. Authorities also revealed that the project lacked the necessary permits. Local resident Made Sediana expressed disappointment, stating that tourists visit Nusa Penida for its natural beauty, not man-made structures. Critics, including Bali senator Niluh Djelantik, emphasized the environmental risks and urged preserving Bali’s natural charm. The suspension’s duration remains uncertain. Meanwhile, some have suggested improving existing stairways instead of pursuing costly ‘vanity projects.’ The $12 million lift project has also raised concerns about increased swimming accidents, as Kelingking Beach, despite its breathtaking views, is notorious for dangerous waves and a narrow coastline. This incident highlights the growing tension between development and environmental preservation in Bali, where Chinese investments, such as a $3 billion airport project, are on the rise.

A tragic road accident in southern India has left at least 20 people dead and around two dozen injured. The incident occurred early Monday when a truck loaded with concrete stone chips collided head-on with a state-run passenger bus near Chevella, a town in Telangana state. The bus, carrying approximately 70 passengers, was en route to Hyderabad when the collision took place. The impact severely mangled the front of the bus, trapping several passengers inside. Heaps of stone chips from the truck were scattered inside the bus, burying at least one passenger alive. Rescue teams faced significant challenges in cutting through the wreckage to retrieve the bodies. Among the deceased were the drivers of both vehicles and three college-going siblings from Tandur town. The grieving father of the siblings, Yellaiah Goud, expressed his anguish, saying, ‘What will I do without my daughters?’ The bus conductor, Radha, who sustained head injuries, described the collision as producing an ‘ear-shattering noise.’ Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Rajasthan, a drunk driver lost control of his speeding truck, hitting multiple vehicles in Jaipur and killing at least 13 people. This accident followed another deadly crash in Rajasthan just a day earlier, where a minibus collided with a parked truck, killing 15 people. These incidents highlight the ongoing road safety challenges in India, where haphazardly parked vehicles and poor highway conditions often lead to fatal accidents.