A Miracle and a Punishment

Six months after the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad on June 12 that claimed 241 lives, the only survivor, Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, continues to grapple with the mental and physical scars of the tragedy. Ramesh, a British citizen of Indian origin, described his survival as both “a miracle and a punishment,” having lost his brother Ajay in the disaster.

Ramesh, who miraculously escaped through a tear in the aircraft’s fuselage from his seat 11A, says he relives the incident every day. “I stay put in my room the whole day. I don’t talk to my family. Every evening, I keep thinking about the crash—my mind keeps drifting,” he told the BBC.

Life After the Tragedy

Now living in Leicester, United Kingdom, Ramesh is being treated for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Doctors report that he is severely mobility-challenged and remains largely isolated, interacting little with his wife and son. His emotional trauma, combined with physical injuries, has left him battling deep loneliness.

Family members describe him as a “different man” after the crash. “He barely speaks and refuses to meet anyone,” said a close relative. “He lost not only his brother but also his will to live.”

Air India’s Response and Compensation

Air India has reportedly paid Ramesh an interim compensation of £21,500 (approximately ₹22 lakh). While he accepted the payment, his family feels it is grossly inadequate considering the psychological and physical suffering he endures.

In a statement, the airline said it “fully realises its obligations to the families and survivors affected by the tragedy” and confirmed that an inquiry into the crash is still underway.

Ongoing Investigation

The ill-fated flight, operating from Ahmedabad to London, had 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board when it went down shortly after takeoff. Investigators from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and international aviation experts are probing whether a mechanical failure or maintenance lapse led to the crash.

Preliminary reports point to a possible engine malfunction followed by a fuel system failure, but a final report is yet to be released.

Psychological Aftermath and Broader Questions

Ramesh’s ordeal highlights the long-lasting psychological impact of aviation disasters—issues that are often overshadowed by technical investigations and legal proceedings. Mental health experts stress the need for structured rehabilitation programs for survivors and grieving families.

“Post-crash trauma can be lifelong,” said Dr. Neha Desai, a clinical psychologist specializing in PTSD. “Without proper therapy and social support, survivors may never return to normal life.”

A Survivor’s Solitude

As the world moves on, Vishwas Ramesh continues to live in isolation — a survivor of unimaginable horror. For him, every day is a reminder of the moment the plane went down and the loved one he could not save.

His story serves as a haunting testament to the human cost of air disasters and the unseen struggles of those who survive them.

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