Sole survivor of Air India crash that killed 241 speaks of battling PTSD: 'Every day is painful'

The only survivor of the Air India plane crash that claimed 241 lives has spoken publicly for the first time since returning to the United Kingdom.

Viswashkumar Ramesh, 39, miraculously walked away from the wreckage of the London-bound Boeing 787, which went down near Ahmedabad, Western India, in one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent years.

Speaking to the BBC, Ramesh described his survival as nothing short of a miracle, though he admitted that the trauma has left deep physical and emotional scars.

“For me, after this accident… very difficult. Physically, mentally, also my family as well, mentally,” he said. “My mum, for the last four months, she is sitting every day outside the door, not talking, nothing. I’m not talking to anyone else. I do not like to talk with anyone else. I can’t talk about much. I’m thinking all night, I’m suffering mentally. Every day is painful for the whole family.”

I'm luckiest man alive, it's a miracle, says Air India sole survivor https://t.co/g0SyEcR4K8

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) November 3, 2025

Ramesh revealed that his younger brother, Ajay, who was seated just a few rows away on the flight, perished in the crash. Referring to him as his backbone, Ramesh said the loss had shattered his family both emotionally and financially.

He has since been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and continues to suffer from chronic pain in his leg, shoulder, knee, and back.

“When I walk, not walk properly, slowly, slowly, my wife helps,” he said.

Since the tragedy, Ramesh has been unable to work or drive. His family's fishing business in Diu, India, which he and his late brother ran, has collapsed.

Air India provided him with a provisional compensation of £21,500 (approximately KSh 3.6 million), which he accepted. However, his legal representatives argue that the amount is far too little to cover his medical and personal expenses.

Family spokesman Mr. Seiger called on the airline to take greater responsibility:

“It’s appalling that we are having to sit here today and put him through this. The people who should be sitting here are the executives of Air India — the people responsible for trying to put things right. Please come and sit down with us so that we can work through this together to try and alleviate some of this suffering.”

According to Seiger, their attempts to meet with the airline have failed on three separate occasions.

In response, Air India, owned by the Tata Group, released a statement reaffirming its willingness to engage with Ramesh’s representatives.

“An offer has been made to Mr. Ramesh’s representatives to arrange such a meeting. We will continue to reach out and we very much hope to receive a positive response,” the airline stated.