LONDON, Nov 4: British-Indian national Viswashkumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the Air India Flight 171 crash that killed 241 people in Ahmedabad in June 2025, has said he feels like the “luckiest man alive” but continues to suffer both physically and mentally from the tragedy.
Ramesh miraculously walked away from the wreckage of the London bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, engulfing in flames before hitting a residential building used by doctors at the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College and Civil Hospital.
In an emotional interview with the BBC, Ramesh described his survival as a “miracle” but said his life has been shattered after losing his younger brother, Ajay, who was sitting just a few seats away and died in the crash.
“I lost my brother as well. My brother is my backbone. Now I’m alone. I just sit in my room, not talking to my wife or son,” he said, breaking down during the interview at Leicester community leader Sanjiv Patel’s home.
Since returning to the UK, the 39-year-old has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and continues to suffer from severe physical pain in his leg, shoulder, knee, and back. His advisers said he has been unable to work or drive since the incident.
Ramesh recounted how he managed to unbuckle himself and crawl out of the wreckage moments after the crash and was later visited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his treatment in India.
The devastating crash claimed the lives of 169 Indian nationals, 52 Britons, and 19 people on the ground.
Ramesh’s advisers, including spokesman Radd Seiger and Patel, alleged that Air India has not provided adequate post-crash support, saying the airline has failed to meet the family despite repeated requests.
“They’re in crisis mentally, physically, and financially. Whoever is responsible should meet the victims’ families and understand their pain,” Patel said.
Air India has offered £21,500 as interim compensation, which the family accepted but called insufficient for immediate needs. The family’s fishing business in Diu, which Ramesh ran with his late brother, has since collapsed.
In a statement, Air India, owned by the Tata Group, said its senior leaders have been meeting affected families to express condolences and reiterated an offer to meet Ramesh’s representatives.
“We continue to reach out and very much hope to receive a positive response,” the airline said.
Ramesh’s story of miraculous survival, profound loss, and an ongoing struggle for justice and recovery has resonated deeply across the Indian diaspora and the aviation community worldwide.