Air India plane crash survivor: 'I'm luckiest man alive'

Air India plane crash survivor: 'I'm luckiest man alive'

The survivor of the Air India plane crash, which claimed the lives of 241 individuals onboard, has expressed conflicting emotions, stating that while he feels like the “luckiest man” alive, he is also enduring physical and mental suffering. Viswashkumar Ramesh managed to escape the wreckage of the London-bound flight in Ahmedabad, walking away from the scene in a remarkable display of survival. Despite his fortunate survival, Mr. Ramesh tragically lost his younger brother, Ajay, in the crash, leaving him with a profound sense of loss.

Returning to his home in Leicester, Mr. Ramesh has been grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), rendering him unable to communicate with his wife and four-year-old son. The harrowing incident saw flames engulf the Boeing 787 flight shortly after take-off in western India. Shocking footage captured Mr. Ramesh walking away from the devastation with seemingly minor injuries, as smoke enveloped the background. The survivor described the miraculous nature of his escape but also shared the deep emotional toll the crash has taken on his family life.

Speaking from his hospital bed in India previously, Mr. Ramesh recounted the moments leading up to his survival, including encountering Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi while receiving medical care. A preliminary report released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau revealed that fuel supply to the engines was severed just moments after take-off, initiating a thorough investigation into the tragic incident. As Mr. Ramesh navigates his recovery journey back in the UK, his advisors are calling for more substantial support from Air India to address his immediate needs.

Recounting the anguish of the disaster, Mr. Ramesh found it too distressing to recall the events of the crash, breaking down during an interview and revealing the ongoing mental suffering endured by his entire family. His physical injuries have also limited his ability to work and drive, compounding the challenges faced by the survivor. With an interim compensation payment offered by Air India deemed insufficient by his advisors, the family’s once-thriving business in India has since collapsed, adding to their financial strain. The family’s spokesperson urged Air India executives to engage in meaningful dialogue to address the lasting impact of the tragedy on Mr. Ramesh and his loved ones

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