UPDATE: The sole survivor of the catastrophic Air India crash, 39-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, has opened up about his harrowing experience, revealing the ongoing trauma he faces nearly four months after the disaster that claimed 241 lives in Ahmedabad, including his brother Ajay. Describing his survival as a “miracle,” Ramesh faces daily flashbacks and immense grief over the loss of his brother, saying, “God gave me life but took all my happiness.”
On June 12, 2023, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, flight AI171, tragically crashed into a medical college just moments after takeoff, marking one of the deadliest air disasters involving British nationals, with 169 Indian passengers and 52 British nationals among the deceased. Ramesh, who lives in Leicester, struggles to communicate with his family about the tragedy, stating that discussing the crash is “very painful.”
Ramesh’s advisors, Sanjiv Patel and Radd Seiger, express outrage over the lack of support and care provided to him by Air India. They claim he has been treated like “a name on a spreadsheet,” urging the airline’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, to meet with the family to address their concerns and provide necessary support. The family alleges that Wilson has ignored repeated written requests for a meeting.
In response, Air India has released a statement asserting that caring for the families affected by the crash, including Ramesh, remains their “absolute priority.” The airline has offered a meeting with senior leaders from its parent company, Tata Group, and confirmed that an interim payment has been transferred to Ramesh.
A preliminary report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau revealed that both of the plane’s fuel switches were moved to the “cut-off” position immediately after takeoff, raising suspicions about the crash’s circumstances. Ramesh shared that the ongoing trauma and loss have “completely brought down” his family, stating, “I lost everything – my happiness.”
In an emotional interview, he expressed gratitude for the support from his extended family but noted that his immediate family, including his parents and younger brother, have also struggled significantly since the tragedy. Ramesh wore a New York Yankees cap during the interview, a tribute to his late brother, who often wore the same cap.
Patel highlighted the need for personal care from Air India, noting that families affected by the tragedy are feeling neglected and frustrated. He stated, “The families have been dignified in their grief, but they’ve been treated like a name on a spreadsheet.”
In a statement, Seiger emphasized the importance of accountability, expressing disappointment in Air India’s handling of the aftermath of the crash. He remarked, “You have one chance to do the right thing after disasters like this… He is being treated like a number on a spreadsheet.”
As Ramesh continues to grapple with the trauma, he experiences sleepless nights filled with painful flashbacks. He stated, “I just stay awake, I sleep maybe three to four hours… I lost my brother, I’m broken.” The emotional toll of the tragedy remains evident as he strives to navigate life without his beloved brother.
With families still reeling from the catastrophic event, the call for accountability and compassion from Air India grows louder. As the situation develops, the focus remains on how the airline will respond to the needs of Ramesh and the families of the victims.
Next Steps: The family’s appeal for a direct meeting with Air India’s CEO continues, as they seek to address the failures in support and care following this devastating tragedy.
