A devastating plane crash from an Air India flight last May occurred just outside a community during lunchtime. Only one person survived the five-vehicle crash—40-year-old Vishwashkumar Ramesh—who is left to deal with the horrific aftermath. The flight was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport. It was ferrying passengers back home from India, where Ramesh had just come back from visiting his family.
Ramesh was supposed to be seated in 11A and would have been traveling next to his brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh. The crash occurred immediately after takeoff, bringing the plane down in a densely residential area. The conditions leading up to the crash are still being investigated, but witness testimony paints a picture of the terrifying scene that played out.
Survivor’s Escape
Vishwashkumar Ramesh’s survival from the wreckage has been called miraculous. Unfortunately, when disaster struck, he just so found himself seated close to the emergency exit of that aircraft. In the seconds after the crash, he was able to escape by leaping out the emergency exit.
“He was near the emergency exit and managed to escape by jumping out the emergency door,” – Vidhi Chaudhary.
As soon as he stepped off the airplane, Ramesh was confronted with a nightmare.
When I woke up, there were carcasses all over the place. I was scared. I just jumped up and ran,” he recalled more than a decade later, looking back at the fire and carnage that claimed his start in life. With wreckage everywhere and panic all around, he started running to what he hoped would be safety.
Immediate Aftermath
When he later escaped, Ramesh was found beaten and traumatized beyond recognition. Fortunately, despite being crushed beneath the bus, his injuries still allowed him to walk to a passing ambulance to get help.
I could see parts of the aircraft all around me. Somebody snatched me up and threw me in an ambulance,” he said. In this piece they describe the moments of high tension that led them to save my life.
Indeed, he recounted calling his father back in Leicester soon after the crash, saying he simply couldn’t believe that he had survived.
“I couldn’t understand how I had survived,” he told his father.
The third passenger, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, said “our whole family has been destroyed in this accident,” referring to their immense loss.
“We’re not doing well. We’re all upset,” said Nayan Kumar Ramesh, highlighting the emotional toll this incident has had on their family.
Family Impact and Future Concerns
Vishwashkumar Ramesh is married with a toddler son. Bridgeman says the psychological toll of the crash has him and his family rattled. His brother Ajay Valgi expressed these worries too, as he discussed his concerns over flying.
“It is a miracle that (Vishwashkumar) survived. What about the other miracle, for my other brother? Just hearing about this crash. I’m scared to fly now, to even stay on a plane now,” Valgi stated, revealing the heightened anxiety that often follows such traumatic experiences.
This incident raises some very important questions regarding the safety of aviation. It serves to remind us of the amazing strength of people who endure these disasters. As investigations into the crash continue, families and communities affected by this tragedy seek answers and support in their recovery.
