Viswashkumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of an Air India plane crash that killed 241 people, has spoken publicly about his physical and mental recovery and the loss of his brother. Mr. Ramesh, who walked away from the London-bound flight wreckage in Ahmedabad, suffered the loss of his younger brother, Ajay, who was also on board. Since returning to his home in Leicester, Mr. Ramesh has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and his advisers state he has not been able to communicate with his wife and four-year-old son.
Recovery and Personal Impact
Mr. Ramesh stated he feels like the "luckiest man" alive, describing his survival as a "miracle," but also noted he is suffering physically and mentally. He described the impact of the ordeal, stating, "Now I'm alone. I just sit in my room alone, not talking with my wife, my son. I just like to be alone in my house." He also acknowledged the death of his brother, saying, "I lost my brother as well. My brother is my backbone."
Mr. Ramesh, whose first language is Gujarati, detailed his physical injuries from the crash, which include pain in his leg, shoulder, knee, and back. He has been unable to work or drive since the incident. While he was diagnosed with PTSD in India, his advisers state he has not received medical treatment for it since returning to the UK. He spoke from the home of local community leader Sanjiv Patel in Leicester, flanked by Mr. Patel and spokesman Radd Seiger. Mr. Ramesh declined to discuss his memories of the day of the crash.
Advisers to Mr. Ramesh described him as "lost and broken," indicating a long recovery period ahead. They reported that his mother has been sitting outside the door for four months without speaking.
The Crash Incident and Investigation
The Boeing 787 flight crashed shortly after take-off in western India in June. Video footage showed Mr. Ramesh walking away from the aftermath with superficial injuries. He stated he managed to unbuckle himself and crawl out of the wreckage. During his treatment in India, he met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Of the 241 people on board, 169 were Indian nationals and 52 were Britons. Additionally, 19 individuals on the ground were killed. A preliminary report published in July by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau indicated that fuel supply to the engines was cut off seconds after take-off. An investigation into the crash is ongoing. Air India has stated that care for Mr. Ramesh and all families affected by the tragedy "remains our absolute priority."
Calls for Airline Engagement
Sanjiv Patel and Radd Seiger, advisers to Mr. Ramesh, are demanding a meeting with Air India executives. They claim Mr. Ramesh has been treated poorly by the airline since the crash. Mr. Patel stated the family is in "crisis, mentally, physically, financially" and that the event has "devastated his family." He further asserted that "Whoever's responsible at the highest level should be on the ground meeting the victims of this tragic event, and understanding their needs and to be heard."
This interview marks the first time the 39-year-old has spoken to the media since returning to the UK. A documentary crew was present during the interview.