British Survivor of Air India Crash Carries Brother’s Coffin After Hospital Discharge

Ahmedabad, India – June 18, 2025 – In a poignant display of resilience and grief, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the lone British survivor of the Air India Flight AI 171 crash, carried his brother's coffin during a funeral in Diu, India—just hours after being discharged from hospital following the tragic incident earlier this month

✈️ Sole Survivor’s Ordeal

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, en route from Ahmedabad to London–Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, killing 241 onboard and at least 39 on the ground Vishwash, 40, seated in emergency exit row 11A, miraculously survived with relatively minor injuries. He described hearing a loud bang 30 seconds after takeoff, waking amid wreckage, and escaping through the broken aircraft door before being rushed to hospital 

???? A Symbol of Love and Guilt

Following his release on June 17, Vishwash attended his brother Ajay Ramesh’s funeral. In a deeply emotional moment, he helped carry his brother’s coffin—an act that captured global attention 

He is now grappling with survivor’s guilt, telling The Times he wondered why they weren't seated together, fearing Ajay might’ve also survived in that seat

“I tried to get two seats together… but I lost my brother in front of my eyes… I wish I was not alive.”

???? Investigations Underway

Preliminary findings suggest engine failure and deployment of the ram air turbine (RAT) moments after takeoff could have played a role. Investigators from India, the UK, and the US are examining the wreckage and cockpit recordings; final reports expected within 30 days 

???? A Community in Mourning

Ajay’s funeral in Diu saw an outpouring of local grief, with more than a dozen village residents killed in the same crash. Vishwash—though physically stable—continues to endure emotional trauma and loss.

???? Ripple Effects

• Airlines: Air India has reduced wide-body flights by 15% through mid-July to focus on safety checks and crew readiness 

• Public sentiment: Seat 11A has since become a symbolic "lucky seat," with many travelers requesting it—despite no aviation evidence supporting its safety advantage 

• Regulatory impact: India’s Airbus and Boeing fleets are undergoing urgent safety inspections following the crash

✅ Final Thoughts

Vishwash Ramesh’s act—carrying his brother's coffin mere hours after surviving a horrific crash—embodies heart-wrenching sorrow and human strength. As investigations continue, the world awaits not only truths behind the crash, but also the journey toward closure and healing for survivors and families.