Four and a half months after the tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171, the only survivor, 39 year old Viswashkumar Ramesh, is still facing many challenges. The flight, which traveled from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed on June 12, 2025, killing 241 people, including his younger brother Ajaykumar. Ramesh, seated next to the emergency exit, managed to escape from the burning plane, but the incident left him with serious injuries and emotional trauma.
AI-171 Crash Survivor Struggles With Recovery in UK
Ramesh returned to the UK in mid-September after initial treatment in India. However, he has not yet received psychiatric care from the NHS, leaving him mentally fragile. He struggles with basic activities, such as walking and driving, and spends most of his time isolated at home in Leicester. He describes his mental state as “completely broken,” reflecting the deep emotional impact of losing almost everyone on board, including his brother.
The crash has also affected his family financially. The fishing business he ran with his brother in Diu has collapsed, removing their main source of income. His wife’s universal credit was stopped when she traveled to India for two months after the crash. Air India has provided interim compensation of £21,500 (around Rs 25 lakh), but Ramesh says this amount is insufficient to cover his ongoing medical costs and living expenses in the UK.
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Experts helping the family, including crisis management advisors, have criticized both Air India and UK authorities for not offering timely support. Repeated attempts to meet with Air India’s top leaders have reportedly gone unanswered. While the airline says it remains committed to supporting Ramesh and the affected families, the survivor continues to struggle with physical pain, limited mobility, and uncertainty about the future.
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Despite these hardships, Ramesh’s focus is on recovery and finding mental health support. He continues to manage his physical injuries while grieving his brother and adjusting to a life drastically changed by the crash. His story highlights the ongoing struggles survivors face long after such tragedies, showing that escaping the crash was only the beginning of a much longer journey toward healing.
Author: Purnima s
Purnima | Entertainment Blogger 4+ yrs writing fun blogs on movies, celebs & trends. Pop culture addict serving fresh, binge-worthy content!
