Sole Survivor of Air India Flight AI171 Crash
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 39, the only survivor of the Air India Flight AI171 crash on June 12, 2025, shares his story of loss, trauma, and struggle. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, striking B J Medical College and killing 241 people, including several on the ground.
The victims included 169 Indian nationals and 52 British nationals. Vishwash's younger brother, Ajay, 35, was among those who died. The brothers owned a fishing business in Diu, India, and had been seated just a few rows apart on the ill-fated flight, with Vishwash in seat 11a.
Impact on Family and Business
Their fishing business has since collapsed following the tragedy. Reflecting on his loss, Vishwash said:
"I lost everything – my happiness. God gave me life but took all my happiness, and from my family."
Back home in Leicester, Vishwash faces severe PTSD and insomnia, struggling with relentless flashbacks and limited sleep. He described the emotional burden:
"I get flashbacks all the time, I just stay awake, I sleep maybe three to four hours. Yes, it’s a miracle I survived, but I lost everything, I lost my brother, I’m broken. My mother, father, and my younger brother totally broke down, mentally. And also me – mentally, physically."
Ongoing Struggles and Support
Despite the overwhelming trauma, Vishwash continues to receive support from his family as they cope with the devastating aftermath together.
Summary: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, sole survivor of the Air India AI171 crash, faces profound grief and PTSD after losing his brother and business, sharing the heavy emotional toll on himself and his family.