Ahmedabad Plane Crash Survivor Discharged, Mourns Brother at Tearful Funeral

Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the tragic Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, was discharged from Ahmedabad Civil Hospital at 11:00 AM IST. The 40-year-old British national, who escaped the June 12 disaster that claimed 241 lives, including his brother Ajay, endured a heart-wrenching moment the following day. On June 18, Vishwas attended Ajay’s cremation in Diu, breaking down in tears as he carried his brother’s remains to the pyre. The poignant scene, captured in a viral video, has drawn widespread sympathy, highlighting the profound grief behind his miraculous survival.

The Crash and Escape

Vishwas, seated in 11A near an emergency exit, survived by swiftly exiting the wreckage before it was engulfed in flames. Suffering minor burns and a fractured arm, he was treated for six days in the ICU. His brother Ajay, 36, seated in a different section, perished along with all other passengers and crew. The National Transportation Safety Board and India’s DGCA are investigating, with preliminary reports citing mechanical issues and poor visibility.

A Grief-Stricken Farewell

Vishwas, accompanied by family, traveled 300 kilometers to Diu for Ajay’s funeral on June 18 at 2:00 PM IST. Visibly frail, he performed the last rites at a local crematorium, sobbing uncontrollably as he lit the pyre. The brothers, originally from Diu but settled in London, were returning for a family wedding. Locals and relatives rallied around Vishwas, whose emotional breakdown resonated deeply, reflecting the personal toll of the tragedy. A hospital spokesperson noted his physical recovery but emphasized the need for psychological support.

A Community Mourns

The Ahmedabad crash has left India in mourning, with memorials held across Gujarat. Vishwas’s story, a blend of miracle and loss, has sparked discussions on aviation safety and survivor trauma. As investigations continue, his tearful farewell underscores the human cost of such disasters, urging authorities to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies.