The sole survivor of the Air India plane crash that killed 241 people has said he feels like the “luckiest man alive” but continues to struggle with physical and mental trauma.
Mr Viswashkumar Ramesh, 39, walked away from the wreckage of the London-bound flight that crashed in Ahmedabad, western India, in June.
The Boeing 787 burst into flames shortly after take-off, killing 169 Indian nationals, 52 Britons, and 19 people on the ground.
Mr Ramesh called his survival a “miracle” but said his life has been shattered by the loss of his younger brother, Mr Ajay Ramesh, who was sitting only a few seats away.
“I’m the only survivor. Still, I can’t believe it. It’s a miracle,” “I lost my brother as well. My brother is my backbone. He was always supporting me.” Mr Ramesh.
After returning to his home in Leicester, Mr Ramesh has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“Now I’m alone. I just sit in my room, not talking with my wife or my son. I just like to be alone,” he said.
Air India said its “absolute priority” remains the care and support of Mr Ramesh and the families of those killed in the disaster.
This is the first time Mr Ramesh has spoken publicly since returning to the UK.
BBC/Maxwell Oyekunle
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