Sole Survivor of Air India Crash Reflects on Trauma and Recovery

The only survivor of the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash, which occurred in June 2025, describes himself as the “luckiest man alive,” yet he grapples with profound emotional and physical pain. Viswashkumar Ramesh was aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner when it crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, resulting in the deaths of all 241 other passengers, including his brother, Ajay Ramesh.

Ramesh, speaking from his home in Leicester, UK, recounted the harrowing experience. He described how the aircraft felt “stuck” moments after takeoff before it plummeted to the ground. “I unbuckled my seat and managed to escape,” he told the BBC. The crash has left him with not only physical injuries but also significant psychological scars.

Struggles with PTSD and Isolation

Despite his survival, Ramesh faces daily battles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He struggles to communicate and has withdrawn from his family, stating, “Now I’m alone. I just sit in my room alone, not talking with my wife, my son.” His condition has led to feelings of isolation, as he finds it challenging to engage with others, including his loved ones.

“I can’t talk about much. I’m thinking all night, I’m suffering mentally,” he shared. The emotional toll of losing his brother, whom he described as his “backbone,” weighs heavily on him. “Every day is painful for the whole family,” Ramesh added.

The crash, attributed to a fuel supply issue by Indian aviation officials, devastated the Ramesh family, who ran a business in Diu, a town in western India. The financial strain has compounded their grief, as the family business has collapsed in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Compensation and Support from Air India

Air India has offered Ramesh £21,500 in compensation, a sum that family advisors indicate does not meet his needs. The airline has expressed its intention to assist Ramesh further, stating that they have reached out to arrange a meeting with senior airline staff. “We will continue to reach out and we very much hope to receive a positive response,” Air India said in a statement.

However, Radd Seiger, a spokesman for the Ramesh family, criticized the airline’s response. He claimed the family has repeatedly attempted to connect with Air India but has often been ignored or turned down. “The people who should be sitting here today are the executives of Air India,” Seiger stated, emphasizing the need for accountability from the airline.

As Ramesh continues to recover physically and emotionally, the support from Air India and the broader community may play a crucial role in his journey toward healing. He remains hopeful, despite the challenges ahead, reminding himself of the miracle of survival amidst the tragedy.