Sole survivor of Air India crash issues demand one year after tragic incident

Besides those on board flight AI171, another 19 people also died and 67 were seriously injured. I know those questions are not just on my mind — they are on the minds of every affected family. ‌ “More than anything, people need honesty, transparency and answers. Nothing will ever change what happened, but families deserve clarity.” Investigators have yet to publish their final findings into the cause of the crash. A preliminary report into the incident from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau found both of the plane’s fuel switches moved to the “cut-off” position “immediately” after take-off, stopping fuel supply to the engine. Mr Ramesh met with Air Accident Investigators in Ahmedabad in March, his representative Sanjiv Patel said. Mr Patel said the crash survivor has to date received £21,500 from Air India to support his wife and five-year-old son – an interim payment provided to all families who lost loved ones in the disaster. ‌ He told the Press Association: “He continues to struggle physically, psychologically and financially. We’ve repeatedly asked to meet the chief executive of Air India but that has not happened. “We recently met with executives of Air India and representatives connected to the Tata Group. Those discussions were constructive and have resulted in some positive progress, although a number of important issues remain under discussion. “The reality is that Vishwash and his family continue to face significant financial hardship. Due to the physical and psychological impact of the crash he has been unable to return to work and support his family in the way he once did, leaving them currently living on less than £1,000 per month. ‌ “They’re not alone. He said in a statement: “We’ve had significant dialogue with the legal representatives for Air India and they have been very cooperative in recent times, providing some initial funding for much needed physical and psychological rehabilitation support. “We are awaiting the findings of the investigations, and we should finally start to see some clarity as to how and why this awful disaster happened, and, crucially, how it could have been avoided. Lessons clearly must be learnt, and for that to happen there needs to be complete transparency and a willingness to accept responsibility.” Article continues below The Foreign Office have been approached for comment. A spokesperson for Air India said: “Air India remains committed to supporting every individual impacted by the AI171 tragedy with care and compassion. While we cannot discuss the specifics of any individual case, representatives from Air India and the Tata Group met with Mr Ramesh and had a constructive and meaningful engagement. “The discussions provided insight into Mr Ramesh’s needs and concerns, enabling a clearer understanding of how best to support him.