Survivor’s Harrowing Account: “I Thought I Was Dead”

 

British survivor Vishwash Kumar Ramesh has shared a chilling and emotional account of the moments after the Air India plane crashed. Speaking from his hospital bed, the 40-year-old described how, at first, he believed he had died in the crash. “For a moment, I thought it was the end,” he said. But as he slowly opened his eyes amidst the chaos, he realized, incredibly, that he was still alive. The shock of survival mixed with the overwhelming horror of the scene around him left him struggling to comprehend how he had escaped such a tragedy.

A Plane Stuck in the Air: Flickering Lights and Sudden Impact

Ramesh recounted how shortly after takeoff, the plane seemed to hesitate in mid-air. “Within five to ten seconds, it felt like the plane was stuck, not gaining height,” he explained. He described the eerie flickering of green and white lights inside the cabin, signaling that something was wrong. Then, without warning, the aircraft slammed into a building—a medical college—engulfed in a massive explosion. The violent impact was sudden and devastating, leaving passengers with no time to react.

Crawling Through Wreckage to Safety

In the immediate aftermath, survival instincts kicked in. Ramesh detailed how he unbuckled his seatbelt and spotted an opening in the fuselage. Using his leg, he pushed through the narrow gap and began crawling out of the wreckage. Despite the intense heat, smoke, and debris surrounding him, he managed to escape. He vividly recalled the terrifying scenes of people around him, including air hostesses and fellow passengers, losing their lives. “I saw people dying right in front of me,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. Yet against all odds, he made it out of the rubble alive.

Witness to Tragedy: Faces of Those Lost

The experience of witnessing death so close left a profound impact on Ramesh. He recounted the heartbreak of seeing those around him perish, unable to help them. “It was horrific,” he said. “The air hostesses, two people sitting close by… it’s something I will never forget.” These memories underline the human cost of the tragedy and the trauma survivors carry with them long after the physical danger has passed.

The Aftermath: Hospital Bed Reflections and Support

Following the crash, Ramesh was treated in hospital for his injuries. During his recovery, he received a visit from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who toured the crash site and spoke with survivors and families affected by the disaster. The meeting offered a small measure of comfort and recognition of the profound loss suffered. Ramesh expressed gratitude for the support but remains deeply shaken by the ordeal.

Remembering the Victims: Medical Students and Families Affected

The crash’s death toll included at least five medical students from the college hit by the plane, as well as many others on the ground. British nationals were among the 241 people who lost their lives onboard, marking this as one of the deadliest incidents involving UK citizens. Among the victims were a British couple, Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, who ran a spiritual wellness centre. Communities in the UK, such as the Gloucester Muslim Community and local councils, have expressed deep condolences to the families grieving loved ones lost in the tragedy.

Searching for Answers: Ongoing Crash Investigation

Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the crash. Aviation experts have speculated about several possible factors, including the failure of both engines—potentially due to a bird strike similar to the famous “Miracle on the Hudson” incident in 2009—or errors related to the positioning of the aircraft’s wing flaps during takeoff. As the investigation continues, families, survivors, and the wider public await answers that may explain how such a devastating event could occur and help prevent future tragedies.