THE sole survivor of the Air India crash has demanded answers from investigators a year on from the tragedy which killed 260 people.
Vishwash Ramesh, 39, had a miracle escape when he walked away from the carnage almost unscathed.
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Vishwash Ramesh, 39, had a miracle escape from the tragic crash which killed 260 people Credit: PA
Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick crashed 33 seconds after take-off on June 12 last year Credit: AFP
The rest of the 241 passengers and crew on board – including his brother Ajay – died and another 19 were killed on the ground when the Boeing 787 Dreamliner slammed into a medical college.
An interim report released shortly after the crash revealed the fuel switches had been turned off moments after take-off, turning the focus on the pilots.
But the investigation is still ongoing and Vishwash has now called on the Indian authorities to provide answers to grieving families ahead of today’s anniversary.
And he also revealed he remains traumatised a year on from the tragedy.
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He said: “What many people perhaps don’t fully appreciate is that the trauma didn’t end on the day of the disaster.
“I live with the significant psychological scars, the loss of my brother, and the constant unanswered questions around how and why this happened.
“I know those questions are not just on my mind — they are on the minds of ever
“More than anything, people need honesty, transparency and answers. Nothing will ever change what happened, but families deserve clarity.”
Vishwash revealed he remains traumatised a year on from the tragedy Credit: EPA
Vishwash has now called on the Indian authorities to provide answers to grieving families Credit: AFP
Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick crashed 33 seconds after take-off on June 12 last year.
A 15-page preliminary report published the following month revealed the fuel switches were turned off seconds after take-off causing the engines to cut out.
They were turned back on ten seconds later but it was too late.
The black box recorder revealed one of the two pilots had said: “Why did you cut off?” to which the second insisted: “I did not do so.”
A preliminary report revealed the fuel switches were turned off seconds after take-off causing the engines to cut out Credit: AFP
Vishwash survived but his brother, Ajay, tragically died in the crash Credit: PA
The report didn’t reveal which of the two pilots turned off the switches but the focus quickly turned on Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, 55.
His co-pilot Clive Kunder, 32, was flying the jet and had both hands on the controls while Capt Sabharwal was monitoring him with his hands free.
Sources also revealed that a fuller black box recording pointed the finger at Capt Sabharwal.
A fuller report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will be released to mark the year’s anniversary but it won’t contain a final conclusion over what caused the crash in which 52 Brits died.
Shortly after the tragedy Vishwash, of Leicester, told how it was a miracle that he had survived but when he learned brother Ajay, 35, had died it “took all my happiness”.
His representative Sanjiv Patel said: “He continues to struggle physically, psychologically and financially.”
“Due to the physical and psychological impact of the crash he has been unable to return to work and support his family in the way he once did, leaving them currently living on less than £1,000 per month.”
A spokesperson for Air India said: “Air India remains committed to supporting every individual impacted by the AI171 tragedy with care and compassion.
“While we cannot discuss the specifics of any individual case, representatives from Air India and the Tata Group met with Mr Ramesh and had a constructive and meaningful engagement.
“The discussions provided insight into Mr Ramesh’s needs and concerns, enabling a clearer understanding of how best to support him.
“We remain in close contact with Mr Ramesh and his representatives and are actively working to ensure that appropriate support continues to be extended to him.”
