"Sat In The Same Seat, Goosebumps" : AI171 Tragedy Brings Back Nightmare For 1998 Plane Crash Survivor

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By now, many in India know the name Ramesh Vishwashkumar-the sole survivor of the devastating Air India crash in Ahmedabad that took 241 lives. Thrown from the aircraft just moments before it was engulfed in flames, his story has gripped the nation. Against all odds, he lived. And he did so from seat 11A.

But here's something not many people know. Over 25 years ago, in another part of the world, Thai singer and actor James Ruangsak Loychusak survived a different fatal crash while seated in 11A on Thai Airways flight TG261. That crash killed 101 people. When James came across news of the Indian incident, he felt an eerie connection.

"Survivor of a plane crash in India. He sat in the same seat as me. 11A," he wrote.
And then: "Goosebumps. My condolences to all those who lost." James has spoken openly about how that night in 1998 marked a turning point in his life-not just physically, but psychologically. He stopped flying for nearly a decade. He avoided people, windows, and clouds.

Though more than 25 years have passed, the memory of his own crash is still raw. In a later interview, James said: "I had difficulty flying for 10 years after the crash. I would struggle breathing, even though the air circulation was normal. I avoided speaking to anyone and always stared outside the window, blocking anyone from closing it to maintain my sense of safety."

Here you can clearly understand that what he was going through was not just fear-it was post-traumatic stress. And for many survivors of similar tragedies, that's where the second battle begins.

What PTSD Really Looks Like

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can quietly take over a person's everyday life after a traumatic event. Not everyone who survives trauma develops PTSD but those who do often find it hard to explain what they're going through.

The symptoms fall into four broad areas.

Intrusion: Recurring nightmares, vivid flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts that feel impossible to switch off.

Avoidance: Staying away from people, places, or conversations that remind them of what happened.

Emotional and cognitive shifts: Guilt, shame, numbness, or memory gaps related to the event.

Hyperarousal: Trouble sleeping, being constantly on edge, sudden outbursts, or becoming easily startled.

Why PTSD Happens To Some And Not Others

Surviving trauma doesn't always lead to PTSD. But when it does, the reasons are often a mix of biology, past experiences, and the kind of support someone has afterward.

People with PTSD tend to have low cortisol levels (a stress-regulating hormone) and high CRF, which keeps the body in a fight-or-flight state. Brain scans show:

• An overactive amygdala (emotional alarm system)
• A smaller hippocampus (memory and emotion regulator)
• A less responsive prefrontal cortex (which normally calms emotional reactions)
• In simple terms, the body keeps reacting long after the danger is over.

Coping Tools That Actually Help

While professional therapy is the best route, there are techniques that support recovery and reduce anxiety symptoms:

Deep breathing: Breathing from the diaphragm (not the chest) slows the nervous system and calms the body.

Progressive muscle relaxation: Tensing and relaxing muscle groups helps reduce overall tension and panic.

Mindfulness: Staying present, rather than replaying the past or worrying about the future can reduce stress triggers.

Support systems: Talking to trusted friends, family, or even joining a support group can make a huge difference.

Expressive writing: Journaling feelings or memories helps process thoughts that feel stuck.

Distraction techniques: Listening to music, reading, or engaging in creative tasks can help reduce overwhelming thoughts.

Behavioural activation: Doing small, enjoyable tasks-even when they don't feel enjoyable at first can gently lift mood and energy levels.

The Crash Is Over, But Healing Takes Time

Both Vishwashkumar and James lived through unimaginable moments. But survival is just the beginning of their stories.

While the coincidence of seat 11A is strange, almost chilling, it's the journey that follows that needs more attention. PTSD is a mental health issue. It doesn't always show up in hospital reports or interviews. But it can shape a survivor's life for years.

James called his survival a "second life." For Vishwashkumar, that journey is only just beginning.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.