‘God gave me life but took all my happiness’ – Sole survivor of Air India crash speaks
The only survivor of the devastating Air India crash in June has opened up to British media about the profound mental and physical toll he has suffered since the tragedy, which claimed 260 lives in Ahmedabad.
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 39-year-old British citizen from Leicester in central England, described the months since the disaster as "very difficult" in interviews broadcast and published on Monday. Ramesh, who miraculously walked away from the wreckage but lost his brother, told the Press Association (PA) news agency: "God gave me life but took all my happiness, and from my family."
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's airport on June 12, killing all 241 passengers and crew aboard and 19 people on the ground after slamming into a medical college hostel.
Ramesh spoke emotionally of his brother Ajay, calling him "my strength" and "my everything." He said the loss had "completely brought down my family," adding, "It's very difficult for me and my family."
A preliminary report from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed that fuel to the jet's engines was cut off moments before impact but offered no further conclusions or blame attribution. Last month, the father of one of the pilots petitioned India's Supreme Court for an independent probe, claiming the official investigation unfairly targeted the crew.
In interviews with PA and several UK broadcasters, including the BBC, Ramesh was hesitant to revisit the crash details, noting it remained "very painful." He described frequent flashbacks, sleeping only three to four hours a night, and constant wakefulness.
Physically, Ramesh reported ongoing pain in his leg, shoulder, knee, and back, preventing him from working or driving. "When I walk, not walk properly, slowly, slowly, my wife helps," he told the BBC.
Advisers informed the broadcaster that Ramesh was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during hospital treatment in India but has received no further medical care since returning to the UK.
Comments
Post a Comment