Air India Crash: Sole Survivor Bids Farewell to Brother Amid Ongoing Investigations

In a heart-wrenching scene on June 18, 2025, Viswashkumar Ramesh, the only survivor of the tragic Air India flight AI171 crash, bid farewell to his brother Ajay in a funeral service held in Diu, located on India's western coast. Just days after being discharged from the hospital, Ramesh, bandaged and visibly distressed, helped carry Ajay's coffin through the mourning crowds. The crash, which occurred during the flight's approach to Ahmedabad, resulted in the deaths of all 241 passengers aboard, alongside at least 30 individuals on the ground, including five medical students.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran stating that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner had no prior engine problems. The aircraft's right engine was reported as new, having been installed in March 2025, while the left engine had undergone servicing in 2023. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau of India is leading the inquiry with assistance from experts in the UK, the US, and representatives from Boeing. A definitive cause of the incident may take months or even years to ascertain, according to aviation specialists.

As families across India mourn their lost loved ones, the identification process remains a significant challenge. Rakesh Joshi, the Medical Superintendent at the Civil Hospital, reported that as of June 18, a total of 208 victims had been identified, with many families providing DNA samples to facilitate the identification of those still unaccounted for.

In response to the crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has mandated more extensive checks on Air India's Boeing 787 aircraft. Consequently, the airline has canceled 83 wide-body flights, including 66 Dreamliners. Despite these cancellations, Air India has assured the public that no major safety concerns have been detected in the inspected aircraft. The airline plans to reduce its international wide-body flights by 15% temporarily, citing the need for enhanced safety checks and to minimize operational disruptions.

The crash has not only shocked the aviation community but has also raised concerns about safety regulations in India. Experts like Dr. Sudhir Sharma, an aviation safety analyst from the Indian Institute of Technology, emphasize the need for stringent oversight in light of recent accidents. “This incident highlights the critical importance of maintaining rigorous safety protocols in the aviation sector,” Dr. Sharma stated in an interview with The Times of India on June 19, 2025.

With the investigations still underway, the implications of this tragedy extend beyond the immediate loss of life. The potential long-term impact on Air India's operational strategy, public trust in aviation safety, and regulatory measures will be closely monitored in the coming months. The international aviation community watches closely as India navigates the aftermath of this disaster, with calls for reform in safety practices echoing across borders.

In conclusion, as Viswashkumar Ramesh grieves the loss of his brother, the aviation industry reflects on the lessons to be learned from the Air India crash. It is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the critical need for ongoing vigilance in ensuring air travel safety.