The only person to survive a catastrophic plane crash in India earlier this year has described his survival as a “miracle,” but says the death of his brother in the disaster has left him shattered.
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 39-year-old British national, was the sole survivor when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12. The accident claimed the lives of all 241 others on board, including Ramesh’s 35-year-old brother, Ajay.
In his first public comments since the tragedy, Ramesh stated that while he is grateful to be alive, the loss has devastated his family. “God gave me life but took all my happiness,” he said. “It completely brought down my family. We lost everything.”
The crash, one of the deadliest in aviation history for British nationals, also resulted in fatalities and serious injuries among people on the ground.
Ramesh reports suffering from severe psychological trauma, including constant flashbacks that severely disrupt his sleep and daily life. “I get flashbacks all the time. I just stay awake. I sleep maybe three to four hours,” he explained. “Yes, it’s a miracle I survived, but I lost everything. I lost my brother. I’m broken.”
He has found it difficult to discuss the details of the crash even with close family, often choosing solitude. “Mentally and physically, I’m not talking too much… I’m just sitting on my bed and thinking. Every day I’m struggling,” Ramesh added. He acknowledged the support of his family and advisers during this period.
An initial investigative report from Indian authorities indicated that both of the aircraft’s fuel switches were moved to the “cut-off” position immediately after takeoff, cutting the engine’s fuel supply. The investigation into the precise cause of this critical failure is ongoing.