Brothers Viswash and Ajaykumar Ramesh were flying home to the UK after a business trip to India. They boarded Air India flight AI171, sitting across from each other—Ajay in seat 11J, Viswash in 11A by the emergency exit. Moments after takeoff, the plane crashed in flames, killing nearly everyone on board.

Viswash, bloodied and dazed, was pulled from the wreckage and taken to a local hospital. He remains in shock and keeps repeating, “Find Ajay, you must find Ajay.” His brother’s seat was just steps away, but Ajay never made it out.

Back in Leicester, their family is overwhelmed. Their younger brother, Nayankumar, described the call from Viswash as surreal: “He said his plane had crashed and he couldn’t find anyone.” Though relieved Viswash survived, the family still clings to hope for Ajay.

Air India confirmed only one survivor. As Ajay’s phone rings unanswered, the family prepares to fly out, searching for closure. “We’re just baffled,” said Nayankumar, “but it’s a miracle at least one of them survived.”