Father’s Day turns into nightmare for Air India crash survivor's dad as he collects younger son’s body

On a day meant for family, Father's Day turned into an unimaginable tragedy for Ramesh Bhaliya. Instead of receiving his sons' warm wishes, the London-based businessman arrived in Ahmedabad on Sunday to collect the body of his youngest son, Ajaykumar, who passed away in the recent AI 171 plane crash, TOI reported.

His elder son, Viswash, was the lone survivor in the fatal crash and is now recovering in a city hospital.

Both brothers, British citizens originally from Diu's Bucharwada village, had returned to India on a business trip. They had built their lives abroad for years, running a garment business in the UK and a boat business in Diu.


“Ramesh is in no state to talk to anyone. He is still grappling with the tragedy,” TOI quoted Deepak Devji, village sarpanch from Diu who accompanied the family to Ahmedabad, as saying. With no other immediate family members present, Ramesh is staying in a hotel near the hospital, while a close friend remains by Viswash’s side during his recovery.

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The two brothers sat close to each other on the ill-fated AI 171, Viswash in seat 11A, right next to the emergency exit, and Ajaykumar across the aisle in seat 11J. Moments after takeoff, the plane crashed. Viswash managed to escape the burning wreckage while his younger brother lost his life instantly.

A video captured by rescue workers shows Viswash stumbling through debris, bleeding and in shock, repeatedly crying, “Plane fatyo che! Plane fatyo che!” (The plane has exploded). Locals and rescue teams rushed him into an ambulance.

Also Read: Lone survivor of Air India flight 171 crash calls family: “I don’t know how I am alive”

The Bhaliya brothers were among 15 residents from Diu’s Bucharwada and Vanakbara villages on board the flight.

The Air India flight AI171 was on a routine route to London when it crashed in 30 seconds after take-off from Ahmedabad airport into a medical hostel. The aircraft burst into flames soon after takeoff, claiming 241 lives. Further, several people in the building also lost lives with the total death toll standing at over 270.

(With inputs from TOI)