LEICESTER: Vishwashkumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the tragic Air India flight AI 171 crash on June 12, continues to grapple with severe physical and emotional challenges nearly five months after the incident. The crash, which occurred shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, claimed the lives of 241 people, including Ramesh's younger brother, Ajaykumar.

Ramesh, 39, who was seated next to the emergency exit, managed to escape the burning wreckage but is now dealing with significant injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He returned to the UK on September 15 after receiving initial treatment in India but has yet to receive the necessary psychiatric care from the NHS. “Mentally, I have completely broken down,” he stated, highlighting his isolation and struggles with mobility.

Since the crash, Ramesh has been unable to work or drive, and he experiences ongoing pain in his leg, shoulder, knee, and back. His family’s fishing business in Diu, which he ran with his brother, has collapsed, leading to financial difficulties. Ramesh's wife has also faced challenges, as her universal credit was halted after she traveled to India for two months following the crash.

Air India has offered Ramesh an interim compensation of £21,500 (approximately Rs 25 lakh), which he has accepted. However, he and his advisors believe this amount is insufficient given the high cost of living in the UK and his ongoing medical needs. Community leader Sanjiv Patel and crisis adviser Radd Seiger, who are assisting Ramesh, have expressed frustration over the lack of timely support from both Air India and UK authorities. Seiger noted that repeated requests for meetings with Air India executives have gone unanswered.

In response, Air India stated it is “deeply conscious” of its responsibilities and has offered to arrange a meeting with Ramesh’s representatives. For now, Ramesh is focused on managing his pain and seeking mental health support while he mourns his brother and faces an uncertain future. “Every day is painful for the whole family,” he shared, reflecting on the profound impact of the tragedy on his life and loved ones.