The coastal town of Diu is mourning the loss of 14 residents in the recent Ahmedabad plane crash. Amidst the collective grief, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the devastating Air India crash that occurred on June 12, is grappling with immense guilt and sorrow following the death of his brother, Ajay.

Vishwashkumar, a British national of Indian descent, was discharged from Ahmedabad Civil Hospital on June 17, but his emotional wounds remain deep. News of his survival has sparked a mix of fascination and painful memories for other sole survivors of similar tragedies worldwide. He was under psychiatric care during his hospital stay where, initially, doctors withheld the information that he was the only survivor, reassuring him that his brother was alive and looking for him, in an attempt to protect his mental state.

At Ajay's funeral, Vishwashkumar was inconsolable, collapsing in tears and questioning why he was spared while his brother perished. "Why did you keep me alive…kill me too… what should I do when I go home?” he cried, his anguish palpable as he helped carry his brother's bier. Ajay's wife was also hospitalized after her health deteriorated due to the shock.

Adding to Vishwashkumar's distress is the belief that his survival was a matter of chance. He recounted that the aircraft struggled immediately after takeoff, and despite accelerating, it failed to gain altitude before crashing. He was seated near an emergency exit, and when the plane broke apart, he found an opening and escaped.

The weight of survivor's guilt is a common burden among those who have lived through catastrophic events. Survivors often struggle with feelings of responsibility, wondering if they could have done something differently or questioning why they were spared when others weren't. This guilt can manifest as intense emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

In the aftermath of the crash, DNA testing is underway to identify the victims, many of whom were severely burned. The incident has prompted a thorough investigation, with authorities seizing mobile phones of ground staff and reviewing CCTV footage.

Vishwashkumar's story echoes the experiences of other sole survivors of plane crashes, many of whom have spoken about the long-lasting psychological impact of their survival. Cecelia Cichan, who survived a 1987 crash that killed her family, expressed feeling angry and guilty, constantly questioning why she lived while her brother didn't. Similarly, Jim Polehinke, the co-pilot of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed, has been haunted by guilt and grief.

Support networks and mental health resources are crucial for survivors like Vishwashkumar as they navigate the complex emotions and challenges that come with surviving a tragedy. The road to recovery is often long and difficult, but with the right support, survivors can find ways to cope with their grief and rebuild their lives.