Survivor of Air India Crash Speaks Out: A Journey of Grief and Survival
By BBC News Correspondent
Miraculous Escape from Tragedy
Vishwashkumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of June’s tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, considers himself the “luckiest man” alive. At 39 years old, he emerged from the wreckage of a London-bound Boeing 787 shortly after takeoff, witnessing a horrific accident that claimed the lives of his brother and 241 others onboard.
A Brother’s Loss
Despite his miraculous survival, Ramesh grapples with profound grief. “I lost my brother, my backbone,” he mournfully reflected, underlining the emotional turmoil that has enveloped his life. His brother’s untimely death weighs heavily on him, leaving him feeling lost and broken. The crash has irrevocably altered his existence, preventing him from returning to a semblance of normal life.
Impact of PTSD
Back in Leicester, Ramesh faces severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that complicates his ability to communicate with his wife and 4-year-old son. The mental scars of that fateful day are as profound as the physical injuries he sustained. Video footage captured Ramesh emerging from the wreckage with minor injuries, yet his emotional wounds run deep.
The Crash and Its Aftermath
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad, a disaster that has left countless families mourning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the time to visit Ramesh in the hospital, acknowledging the gravity of the incident. Ramesh recounted the chaotic moments when he unbuckled his seatbelt and crawled to safety from seat 11A. Despite the chilling memories of that day, he views his escape as a miracle amidst devastation.
Struggles with Recovery
Despite being a survivor, the journey to recovery has not been easy for Ramesh. The physical pain he endures prevents him from working or driving, which further exacerbates his feelings of isolation. Diagnosed with PTSD in India, he has yet to receive adequate treatment in the UK, leaving him in a vulnerable state with his mental health.
Calls for Accountability
Community leader Sanjiv Patel and spokesman Radd Seiger have been vocal about the need for accountability from Air India officials. Seiger has reported that their requests for meetings with the airline have been ignored, calling out executives to address the plight of families affected by the crash. The survivor’s plight has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of airlines to support those impacted by such tragedies.
Air India’s Response
In the wake of the incident, Air India, which is now under the Tata Group, has stated that they remain open to meeting with Ramesh’s representatives. They assert that their priority lies in taking care of those affected by the tragedy. However, the lack of meaningful engagement has left many questioning the airline’s commitment to supporting crash-impacted families and survivors.
