Air India plane crash: Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, the only person who survived the tragic Air India crash, returned to his hometown of Diu on Wednesday to honour his brother Ajay with a traditional funeral ceremony. The 40-year-old British businessman still showed visible signs of his ordeal, with bandages covering parts of his face as he participated in the solemn proceedings.
The devastating accident occurred on June 12 when their Ahmedabad-London flight crashed shortly after takeoff. This terrible event claimed 241 lives aboard the aircraft, plus 29 people on the ground who were affected by the crash.
Air India plane crash: Brothers’ Journey Cut Short
Both brothers had been visiting family in Diu before planning their return to London. Vishwas, who lives in Leicester, regularly travels this route for business purposes. The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 PM on that fateful Thursday.
According to medical officials, Ajay’s remains were released to the family early Wednesday morning after DNA confirmation procedures were completed. Dr. Rakesh Joshi from Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital confirmed the handover process had been handled with appropriate care.
The plane crash occurred when the aircraft struck a medical college complex just minutes after departure. Investigation teams continue examining the circumstances that led to this tragic accident.
Community Gathers for Farewell
Local village leader Dipak Devjibai described how Vishwas arrived at Bucharwada village with extended family members. The funeral procession moved from Patelwadi to the Koli Samaj crematorium, following traditional customs of their community.
Family members who had travelled from various locations to support Vishwas included:
- His parents
- Two surviving brothers
- Extended relatives from Gujarat
“His entire family was present during the funeral procession,” Devjibai explained to reporters. The community showed tremendous support during this difficult time for the grieving family.
Air India plane crash: Miraculous Survival Story
Vishwas occupied seat 11A, positioned near the emergency exit on the aircraft’s left side. His location proved crucial during those terrifying moments after impact. He later described how the aircraft “stalled within seconds” of beginning its scheduled nine-hour journey to London’s Gatwick Airport.
The sole survivor recalled his escape during interviews with local media. He explained that his section of the plane landed on the ground floor of the nearby hostel buildings. When he noticed the broken door, he realised an opportunity existed to exit the wreckage safely.
“When I saw the door was broken, I told myself I had a chance to escape,” Vishwas recounted. “Eventually, I got out of the plane.”
Video footage captured by witnesses shows Vishwas walking toward emergency responders shortly after the crash. Despite his injuries, he maintained consciousness throughout the ordeal.
High-Level Attention
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Vishwas at the hospital one day after the accident occurred. This visit highlighted the national significance of both the tragedy itself plus the remarkable survival story that emerged from such devastating circumstances.
Medical staff at Civil Hospital monitored Vishwas carefully before releasing him Tuesday evening. His recovery progress allowed doctors to clear him for travel back to Diu for his brother’s funeral services.
Air India plane crash: Investigation continues
Aviation authorities continue their detailed examination of the factors that contributed to this accident. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner involved had been operating regular commercial flights before this incident occurred.
International aviation safety experts are reviewing all available evidence to determine what caused the aircraft to crash so soon after takeoff. Their findings will help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Community Support
The people of Diu have rallied around Vishwas during this incredibly difficult period. Local organisations provided logistical support for funeral arrangements while religious leaders offered spiritual guidance to the grieving family.
This tragic event has affected the entire community, as both brothers were well-known residents who maintained strong connections despite living abroad. Their story represents the close bonds that exist between diaspora communities plus their ancestral homes.
Moving forward, Vishwas faces the challenging process of rebuilding his life after experiencing such profound loss. The support of his community, family members, plus medical professionals will prove essential during his continued recovery journey.
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