Vishwashkumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick, has shared the heart-wrenching reality of his life since that fateful day on June 12. Clad in a white tee and grey trousers, Ramesh was seen walking away from the burning wreckage, which claimed the lives of 241 people onboard. Now, more than four months later, he finds himself grappling with profound grief, physical injuries, and financial instability.
Meeting with Ramesh at the residence of community leader Sanjiv Patel in Leicester, it becomes apparent that the miracle of survival has come at a steep emotional cost. “After this tragedy — not just my wife and son — my whole family is completely broken down. Me — physically, mentally — and my family also,” Ramesh reveals, echoing the pain of losing his younger brother, Ajaykumar, who was seated beside him and perished in the crash.
Prior to the accident, Ramesh, 39, had been co-managing a fishing business in Diu, India, alongside his brother. They were returning to the UK following the fishing season when their lives were irrevocably altered. Ramesh’s mental and physical health have deteriorated since the crash; he struggles with significant mobility issues and has yet to receive adequate medical attention or psychological counseling from the UK’s National Health Service, despite being eligible for support.
Ramesh’s return to the UK has not alleviated his troubles. He faced immense difficulty getting back on a plane, forsaking Air India out of fear. Now, his family’s financial situation is dire, worsened by the halt of his wife’s Universal Credit—a government benefit meant to support low-income families. According to a government spokesperson, these payments can be suspended for extended travel, including instances of bereavement.
The interim compensation of £21,500 from Air India, which mirrors what is offered to the families of the deceased, is seen by Ramesh as woefully insufficient. “£21,000 is nothing. I stay in the UK. I pay mortgage….” he expresses in frustration. The once-flourishing fishing enterprise that provided for his family has collapsed under the weight of the tragedy and the consequent inability to manage operations.
Support from community members like Sanjiv Patel and retired lawyer Radd Seiger underscores the urgency of Ramesh’s situation. They argue that Air India and the British government have neglected to recognize the complex needs of a miracle survivor. Ramesh’s mental health, which continues to deteriorate, is compounded by post-traumatic stress disorder and the persistent grief of loss.
Seiger has issued repeated calls for the Air India CEO to meet with Ramesh personally, emphasizing the gravity of his circumstances. The collective sentiment is one of desperation, and the community stands ready to advocate for Ramesh’s needs in hopes of securing the support he so desperately requires.
Despite the immense challenges he faces, there remains a sense of determination for Vishwashkumar Ramesh. With continued support from the community and a call for greater accountability from the airline, there is hope for him to rebuild a semblance of a life once again.