The only survivor of the Air India disaster that resulted in 241 fatalities has come forward to share the profound ways his life has been altered since the tragic event five months ago.
Vishwashkumar Ramesh was aboard Air India 171 with his brother, Ajay, when the Boeing aircraft began to lose altitude shortly after taking off on June 12.
The two siblings were returning home after working on their family’s fishing business in India.
In less than a minute, Ramesh experienced a life-altering change as the plane crashed into B. J. Medical College in Ahmedabad, causing the deaths of hundreds on board and an additional 19 people on the ground.
Ramesh miraculously survived the crash, emerging from the debris injured but alive, though his brother Ajay did not survive.
Reflecting on the incident, Ramesh said his existence has been ‘completely different’ since that fateful day.
During an interview with ITV News’ Sanita Lal, he explained how both his physical and mental states have been affected, admitting to experiencing pain ‘every day’.
“I lost my younger brother. My whole family broke down, completely. In the last four months, I’m not talking with my friends, my family,” he expressed.
Ramesh, who has a four-year-old son, confessed that he has been ‘not talking much with him’.
He elaborated: “I’m just alone, living in my room, sitting on my bed.” Even though his son ‘likes to spend time’ with him, Ramesh acknowledged: “I’m not giving time to him.”
Attempting to articulate his feelings, Ramesh said: “Because mentally, I’m completely…” before trailing off as words failed him.
When asked about being seen as a miraculous survivor, he replied: “It feels good, but at the same time, I lost my brother on the same flight.”
Ramesh, still grappling with the aftermath, has decided to speak out as he seeks more assistance from Air India.
Legal advisor Radd Seiger stated: “It isn’t difficult advice to give [to Air India]. Go and meet – not your junior people – the CEO, or the leadership team. Build an outreach programme. He’s the sole survivor. Sit with him for half an hour and listen to his suffering, and his family’s suffering and then you can deploy your resources accordingly.”
In response, Air India provided a statement to ITV News: “We are deeply conscious of our responsibility to provide Mr Ramesh with support through what must have been an unimaginable period. Care for him – and indeed all families affected by the tragedy – remains our absolute priority.
“Senior leaders from across Tata Group continue to visit families to express their deepest condolences. An offer has been made to Mr Ramesh’s representatives to arrange such a meeting, we will continue to reach out and we very much hope to receive a positive response.
“We are keenly aware this continues to be an incredibly difficult time for all affected and continue to offer the support, compassion, and care we can in the circumstances.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell at (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].