A year after the devastating Air India Flight AI-171 crash, the sole survivor, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, has spoken about the emotional and psychological challenges he continues to face despite escaping the disaster.
Reflecting on his experience, Ramesh said survival has not brought an end to his suffering.
“People see that I’ve survived, but they don’t always see the challenges that continue behind closed doors. I still struggle with sleep, anxiety and difficult memories. A year on, I’m still trying to rebuild my life and support my family as best I can.”
Speaking to PTI, he further added, “I’m grateful to be alive, but survival is only part of the story. What I’ve faced since then has been far more difficult than I can put into words.”
The tragedy occurred when Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed just 32 seconds after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft went down in a nearby area shortly after departure, resulting in one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters. A total of 260 people lost their lives, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 individuals on the ground. Among those killed was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
Providing an update on relief efforts, Air India announced on Thursday that interim compensation has been distributed to the overwhelming majority of affected families. According to the airline, Rs 25 lakh in interim compensation has been paid to 96 per cent of the families of the 260 victims, while 94 per cent of those injured on the ground have also received similar assistance.
The airline stated that the process of determining final compensation is currently underway. Air India sources emphasized that families have the option of waiting for the final investigation report before accepting settlements, although some have already chosen to proceed with final compensation agreements.
In a separate initiative, the AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust, established by Tata Sons, has provided Rs 1 crore in ex gratia assistance to 91 per cent of victims’ families. Air India also reported significant progress in recovering personal effects, noting that more than 22,000 belongings have been catalogued and returned, along with 16 of the 25 electronic devices recovered from the crash site.
Meanwhile, authorities are moving forward with a Rs 547-crore redevelopment project for the affected area. The initiative is expected to transform the crash site into a major hub for healthcare, medical education, and research.
As the first anniversary of the tragedy passes, attention is increasingly focused on the findings of the official investigation. Government officials have indicated that the probe is in its final stages and that the report is expected to be released soon.
A preliminary report issued last year revealed that both engine fuel control switches were moved from RUN to CUTOFF moments after take-off, interrupting fuel supply to the aircraft’s engines. The report also documented a brief exchange in the cockpit, during which one pilot questioned the other about why the fuel had been cut off, only to receive a response denying any action on the switches.
