I am broken: Air India crash's sole survivor seeks welfare aid to cope with trauma

Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the June 12 Air India plane crash, has appealed for a welfare package to help him and his family cope with the physical, emotional, and financial toll of the tragedy. The 40-year-old British citizen of Indian heritage returned to his home in Leicester over a month ago but continues to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and requires specialist medical care.

Kumar, who lost his brother Ajay in the crash that killed 242 others, including crew and 19 people on the ground, said he is “broken” by the experience. “It is very painful... I am broken,” he told reporters during an event organised by Leicester community groups. He relies on his wife for mobility and spends most days confined to his room.

FAMILY'S FINANCIAL COLLAPSE AFTER TRAGEDY

The family’s fishing business in Diu has collapsed since the accident, leaving them in severe financial distress. UK-based lawyer and crisis adviser Radd Seiger, representing Kumar, has urged Air India CEO Campbell Wilson to personally meet the family to assess their situation and provide a comprehensive welfare package.

“This has had a devastating effect on the entire family, both in the UK and India. Vishwas needs urgent help, his injuries are significant, both physical and psychological,” Seiger said, adding that the £21,500 interim compensation from the airline is insufficient to cover daily needs.

AIR INDIA SAYS SUPPORT ONGOING, OFFERS MEETING

Air India said it remains “deeply conscious” of its responsibility towards the survivor and has extended interim financial and logistical support. “Senior leaders from across Tata Group continue to visit families to express their condolences. An offer has been made to Mr Ramesh’s representatives to arrange such a meeting, and we hope to receive a positive response,” the airline said.

The carrier said over 95% of families affected by the crash have already received interim payments pending the final investigation report. “Care for him—and indeed all families affected by the tragedy—remains our absolute priority,” the statement added.

CRASH PROBE POINTS TO FUEL SUPPLY FAILURE

Vishwas Kumar was seated in seat 11A on the London Gatwick-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The impact destroyed parts of the BJ Medical College hostel nearby, killing 19 on the ground.

According to the preliminary report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the fuel supply to the engines was cut off seconds after take-off, leading to the catastrophic crash.

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