Air India Crash Survivor Declares Himself ‘Luckiest Man Alive’

Viswashkumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of an Air India crash, has declared himself the “luckiest man alive,” despite immense physical and emotional suffering. The tragic incident occurred in June, claiming the lives of 241 people aboard the London-bound flight from Ahmedabad.

Background of the Air India Crash

On the ill-fated flight, 169 Indian nationals and 52 Britons were among those who lost their lives, with an additional 19 fatalities on the ground. Preliminary investigations revealed that fuel supply to the engines was cut off shortly after take-off. Eyewitness video showed Mr. Ramesh emerging from the debris with minor injuries, a scene that captivated many worldwide.

Survivor’s Struggles

Mr. Ramesh, who sat in seat 11A, managed to unbuckle himself and crawl to safety. Since returning to Leicester, he has grappled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and isolation from his family. During his harrowing experience, he lost his younger brother, Ajay, who was sitting just a few seats away during the crash.

• Brother’s death has left him devastated.
• Struggling with PTSD and physical injuries.
• Unable to communicate with his wife and four-year-old son.

In an emotional interview, Mr. Ramesh expressed, “I’m alone now. I just sit in my room.” His family’s trauma has been profound, with his mother reportedly sitting silently at the door, unable to process the loss.

Ongoing Support and Compensation Issues

Support for Mr. Ramesh has come from his advisers, who are pushing for more substantial assistance from Air India. Although the airline has offered him an interim payment of £21,500, his advisers claim it falls short of addressing his immediate and long-term needs.

Call for Action from Air India

His advisers have requested meetings with Air India executives, stating that the company’s response to the tragedy has been inadequate. They emphasized the necessity for decision-makers at Air India to engage directly with affected families to understand their challenges.

• Air India has faced criticism for lack of communication.
• Efforts to arrange meetings with the airline have been ignored.

Mr. Ramesh’s family business, a fishing enterprise in Diu, India, has also suffered severely due to these events. His advisers argue that it is imperative for Air India’s management to prioritize the needs of victims like Mr. Ramesh, who are facing overwhelming challenges in the aftermath of this tragedy.