The coastal town of Diu is in mourning following the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the crash, has been discharged from the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and attended the cremation of his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The brothers were traveling back to London after visiting family in Diu when the London-bound Air India flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff.

The crash, involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, occurred minutes after the flight departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft, carrying 242 occupants, crashed into a medical college campus. Initial reports indicated that all passengers and crew were feared dead until video footage emerged of Vishwash walking away from the crash site.

Vishwash, a 40-year-old British national from Leicester, was seen carrying his brother’s mortal remains on his shoulders during the funeral procession in Diu. Local authorities confirmed that the cremation took place on Wednesday morning, with Vishwash present throughout the rites.

According to reports, Vishwash was seated in 11A, just a few rows away from his brother Ajay who was in seat 11J. After the crash, Vishwash attempted to go back to search for his brother, but was stopped by an ambulance driver, Satinder Singh Sandhu, who rushed him to the hospital.

Inconsolable after learning about his brother's death, Vishwash was given psychiatric counseling while recovering in the hospital. He was discharged on Tuesday evening and immediately traveled to Diu to attend Ajay's cremation. At the funeral, Vishwash was visibly distraught, questioning why he was spared while his brother was not. "Why did you keep me alive…kill me too… what should I do when I go home?” he was heard lamenting. Ajay’s wife was admitted to a hospital after suffering a major breakdown upon hearing the news.

The Economic Times reported that Ajay and his wife had previously lost their two daughters in infancy in London.

Air India has issued a statement expressing grief over the loss of passengers and crew members and is working to assist the families of the victims. The airline also announced a 15% reduction in international services on widebody aircraft to ensure operational stability and minimize passenger inconvenience. The cuts will remain in effect until at least mid-July.

The Gujarat cabinet observed a two-minute silence in its meeting to honor the crash victims and passed condolence resolutions for the victims and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who also perished in the accident.

The cause of the crash is under investigation, with UK experts assisting in the inquiry.