One Year Later: Air India Crash Survivor Calls for Answers
A year after the tragic Air India plane crash that claimed 241 lives, the only survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, has spoken out, demanding “honesty, transparency, and answers.” Ramesh, whose brother was among the victims, said he continues to struggle with the emotional scars left by the disaster.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a medical college shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport, resulting in the death of everyone aboard except for the 39-year-old Ramesh. The victims included 169 Indian passengers and 52 British nationals, making it one of the deadliest aviation incidents for Britons in recent history. In addition to the fatalities, 19 others died, and 67 people were seriously injured.
Living in Leicester for over 20 years, Ramesh described the loss of his brother, Ajay, as a devastating blow that took away his happiness. He referred to his survival as a “miracle.”
Reflecting on the past year, he shared, “Many might not realize that the trauma didn’t end on the day of the crash. I carry significant psychological scars, and I constantly ponder how and why this happened. These questions are shared by all families affected.” He emphasized the need for clear communication regarding the circumstances of the crash.
As of now, investigators have not released their final report on the incident. A preliminary investigation indicated that both fuel switches of the plane moved to the “cut-off” position immediately after takeoff, halting fuel supply to the engine. Ramesh met with investigators in March to discuss the tragedy.
So far, he has received £21,500 from Air India to help support his wife and five-year-old son. However, this interim payment is a struggle to live on, as Ramesh continues to face physical and psychological challenges related to the crash. He has not been able to return to work, leaving his family with under £1,000 a month.
Ramesh’s representative, Sanjiv Patel, expressed concerns about the lack of tailored support from the UK government for Ramesh and other affected families. Despite the severity of the incident, they feel neglected by their government.
Additionally, Ramesh is taking civil action regarding the crash. His solicitors are reviewing the investigation details and looking into potentially holding responsible parties accountable. Lawyer Paul McClorry mentioned that they have had positive discussions with Air India’s legal team, leading to initial funding for essential rehabilitation support.
In response to the ongoing situation, a spokesperson for Air India stated that the airline is committed to assisting all individuals impacted by the tragedy. They are in ongoing communication with Ramesh and are working to provide continuous support.
As families wait for answers, the demand for accountability and clarity remains strong in the wake of this tragic event.
