The Only Survivor of Air India Plane Crash Shares Haunting Nightmares That Keep Him Awake at Night

What emotional toll is the Air India plane crash survivor experiencing after losing his brother?

On June 12, 2025, a devastating plane crash shook the city of Ahmedabad, India. Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed moments after takeoff, claiming the lives of 241 passengers and crew, along with others on the ground.

Amid the wreckage and flames, one man walked away alive. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British citizen, became the sole survivor of this tragic event. His story of survival is remarkable, but the emotional scars he carries tell a deeper tale. What is life like for someone who escaped such a disaster?

Air India Plane Crash Survivor: A Narrow Escape from Disaster

Vishwash was seated in 11A, near an emergency exit, when the plane took off from Ahmedabad’s airport. Just 30 seconds later, the aircraft felt “stuck in the air,” and a loud noise signaled something was terribly wrong.

The plane crashed into a medical college hostel, erupting into flames. Vishwash described how he unbuckled his seatbelt and squeezed through a broken emergency exit, escaping with cuts, burns, and bruises.

He later told Indian media, “I thought I was going to die. When I opened my eyes, I realized I was alive.” His survival, near the wing where fuel tanks are located, was called a miracle by experts, as this area is often the most dangerous in a crash. Tragically, his brother Ajay, seated a few rows away, did not survive.

Haunted by Nightmares

Weeks after the crash, Vishwash remains in Diu, India, trying to rebuild his life. His family shared that he struggles to sleep, tormented by recurring nightmares. “He dreams he’s on the flight, seeing everyone die,” said his relative, Krunal Keshave. The trauma of witnessing the deaths of passengers, including his brother, weighs heavily on him.

“He sees him (his brother) everywhere,” said Keshave after visiting Vishwash. “He speaks but he doesn’t speak about the crash. His wife and his son are there with him, supporting him.

Vishwash feels deep guilt for being the only survivor, a burden that makes recovery challenging. He spends time at home with family, rarely going out, as he grapples with the emotional toll of the tragedy. Despite physical recovery, his mental health remains fragile, highlighting the lasting impact of such an event.

A Community in Mourning

The crash not only affected Vishwash but also left a mark on the community. In Diu, Vishwash joined mourners to carry his brother’s coffin in a somber funeral procession, his face still bandaged. The town lost 14 others in the disaster, and residents came together to support the grieving families.

Investigations into the crash continue, with a preliminary report suggesting the plane’s fuel switches were turned off, causing the engines to fail. Air India has pledged support to the families, and the nation mourns the loss of 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, and others. Vishwash’s story stands as a symbol of hope amid overwhelming loss, but it also underscores the long road to healing for survivors and communities alike.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh’s survival is a rare and extraordinary event, but it comes with a heavy emotional cost. As he navigates his grief and trauma, his story reminds us of the fragility of life and the strength needed to move forward after tragedy.

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