Key Facts
On June 12, 2026, families of the victims of the Air India crash gathered in Ahmedabad to mark the first anniversary of the disaster. The crash occurred on June 12, 2025, when a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, bound for London, crashed moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 260 people, including 241 passengers and crew, and 19 on the ground. Among the deceased were 52 British nationals and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
Details of the Memorial
The memorial prayer meeting was held at a hotel in Ahmedabad, where photographs of the victims were adorned with garlands, rose petals, and lamps. Family members expressed grief and frustration, demanding the release of the final crash investigation report. Atulbhai Patel from Surat, who lost his daughter Vibhuti Patel—a physiotherapist in the UK—said, “We want answers… We are still waiting to know the cause of the accident.” Vibhuti had come to India for 15 days and was engaged to a man from Gujarat living in the UK.
Deepak Menaria from Udaipur lost his father Vardichand Menaria, a chef traveling to London on business. “But now, he is gone forever… no amount of compensation can replace him in our lives,” Deepak said. Anil Ambalal Patel, a former security guard from Ahmedabad, lost his son Harshit and daughter-in-law Pooja, both 30, who had surprised him with a visit from London. “It’s been a year and so far, nobody from the government has reached out to us for help, which is very heartbreaking,” he added.
Government Absence and Criticism
The absence of any State or Central government representative at the memorial drew sharp criticism. C.S. Randhawa, president of the Federation of Indian Pilots, said, “If a similar incident had occurred elsewhere in the world, particularly in Western countries, people would have gathered and taken out rallies across the country in memory of the victims. But nothing has happened in India.” He urged families to demand land from the government to build a memorial at the crash site in Meghaninagar.
British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron visited the crash site and offered floral tributes, making the absence of Indian officials more conspicuous. “One year ago today, the tragic Air India crash claimed 260 lives, including 52 British nationals. I will never forget arriving in Ahmedabad and visiting the site on that day,” she posted on X. She also participated in a prayer meet at B.J. Medical College, where four MBBS students were among the ground victims.
Impact and What Readers Should Know
The families have received compensation from Air India but insist that justice remains elusive. They demand the government release the final report on the crash to provide closure. The incident highlights the need for transparency in aviation disaster investigations and accountability from authorities. Later in the evening, bereaved families held a candlelight vigil near the crash site.
FAQ
- When did the Air India crash occur? The crash occurred on June 12, 2025.
- How many people died? 260 people, including 241 passengers and crew, and 19 on the ground.
- Why are families demanding answers? They want the final investigation report and clarity on the cause, as no official statement has been issued.
- Did any government official attend? No Indian government representative attended; only the British High Commissioner paid respects.
Source: www.thehindu.com