Sole Survivor of Air India Flight AI171 Crash Reflects on Tragedy
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 39, the only survivor of the Air India Flight AI171 crash on June 12, 2025, shares his painful experience after the disaster. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into B J Medical College shortly after departing from Ahmedabad airport, resulting in 241 deaths, including many on the ground.
Crash Details and Victims
- Flight AI171 was headed to London.
- 241 people died in the crash.
- Among the victims were 169 Indian nationals and 52 British nationals.
Personal Loss and Family Impact
Among the deceased was Vishwash’s younger brother, Ajay, 35. The brothers, who had a fishing business in Dui, India, sat just a few rows apart on the flight—Vishwash in seat 11A and Ajay nearby. Since the tragedy, their business has collapsed.
I lost everything – my happiness. God gave me life but took all my happiness, and from my family.
Ongoing Struggles with Trauma
Since returning to Leicester, Vishwash has been coping with severe post-traumatic stress disorder and insomnia. Although supported by family, he continues to suffer the emotional aftermath of the disaster.
I get flashbacks all the time, I just stay awake, I sleep maybe three to four hours. Yes, it’s a miracle I survived, but I lost everything, I lost my brother, I’m broken. My mother, father and my younger brother totally broke down, like mentally. And also me – mentally, physically.
Summary: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, sole survivor of the Air India AI171 crash, faces profound grief and trauma after losing his brother and many others in the devastating accident.