The aftermath of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad continues to unfold, marked by grief, loss, and the arduous process of identifying victims. Among the heart-wrenching stories emerging from this tragedy is that of Viswashkumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the devastating incident, who was recently discharged from the hospital and is now preparing to carry out the last rites for his younger brother, who perished in the crash.
Viswashkumar Ramesh, an Indian-origin British national, was one of the 242 people aboard the London-bound Air India flight AI-171 that crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner tragically slammed into the B J Medical College hostel and canteen, resulting in a catastrophic scene of destruction. While 241 lives were lost, Ramesh miraculously survived, having been seated in 11A, next to the emergency exit. He recalls the plane breaking apart and his seat being flung clear of the wreckage, sparing him from the massive fireball that followed.
Following his miraculous escape, Ramesh was admitted to the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, where he received treatment for his injuries. Upon his release, he spoke to India Today, confirming his plans to return home and perform the last rites for his younger brother, who was also on the ill-fated flight.
The emotional toll of the tragedy is immense for Ramesh, who is grappling with the loss of his brother while still recovering from the trauma of the crash. He has described his survival as nothing short of a miracle, expressing disbelief at having lived through the horrific experience. "I can't believe how I survived," Ramesh told reporters. "I thought I would die. People died in front of my eyes."
Meanwhile, numerous families are still enduring an agonizing wait to receive the remains of their loved ones. The process of identifying the victims has been slow and painstaking, with health authorities relying on DNA testing to match samples with relatives. The sheer number of fatalities has made the process particularly challenging, and families have been asked to remain patient as experts work to identify the deceased.
The emotional weight of this disaster extends beyond the immediate victims and their families. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing their grief and offering support to those affected. As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, the focus remains on providing closure and solace to the families who have lost so much. The story of Viswashkumar Ramesh, the lone survivor carrying the burden of his brother's mortal remains, serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of this tragedy.