Sole Survivor Of Air India Crash Suffering Emotionally

India-West News Desk

MUMBAI – The sole survivor of the Air India plane crash that killed 241 people has described his escape as a “miracle,” but said he is now grappling with severe physical and mental anguish. Viswashkumar Ramesh, 39, who in a stunning moment walked away from the wreckage of the London-bound flight in Ahmedabad, has returned to his home in Leicester, struggling with post-traumatic stress and the loss of his younger brother Ajay, who was sitting just a few seats away on the flight, BBC reported.

Speaking for the first time since his return to the UK, Ramesh told BBC News that the experience has left him feeling both incredibly lucky and deeply broken. “I’m only one survivor. Still, I’m not believing. It’s a miracle. I lost my brother as well. My brother is my backbone. Last few years, he was always supporting me,” he said.

Flames engulfed the Boeing 787 shortly after take-off in Ahmedabad, and footage from the scene showed Ramesh walking from the wreckage with seemingly minor injuries, while smoke billowed behind him.

Ramesh said he has been unable to speak with his wife and four-year-old son and described the emotional toll on his family, especially his mother, who has spent months in silent distress. “Physically, mentally, also my family as well, mentally… my mum last four months, she is sitting every day outside the door, not talking, nothing. I can’t talk about much. I’m thinking all night, I’m suffering mentally. Every day is painful for the whole family,” he said, according to BBC.

He continues to suffer pain in his leg, shoulder, knee, and back and has not been able to return to work or drive. The family fishing business in Diu, India, which he ran with his brother, has collapsed, adding to the financial strain. Air India has offered an interim compensation of £21,500, which Ramesh has accepted, though advisers say it falls short of meeting his immediate needs.

A preliminary report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau found that fuel supply to the engines was cut off just seconds after take-off, though the investigation is ongoing.