The families of victims of the disastrous Air India (AI) plane bombing in Ahmedabad a year ago continue to grieve, with many of them saying the tragedy’s questions remain unanswered. Relatives at the site of the crash paid a tribute to their loved ones and remembered one of the worst aviation accidents in recent times in India on the first anniversary of the incident.
It happened here on June 12, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying an Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed soon after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft that had 230 people on board and 12 crew members on board, hit an urban area of the city, and crashed into a road and student hostel mess before catching fire.
260 people were killed, 241 on board the aircraft and 19 on the ground. It one of the most tragic aviation disasters ever witnessed with only one passenger being rescued alive.
One by one the family came out to observe the anniversary and a lot of heartwrenching recollections came up of that day that changed them all. One was Kajal, the sister of whom died in the accident, named Akash. When she heard of a plane crash, she got to the location in a hurry, and found her brother in the wreckage.
People residing in the territory speak of the sufferings being still deep, and some have yet to make peace with the tragedy. Over the past year, investigations and official inquiries have kept going, but families of the victims are still in need of complete answers and accountability.
The anniversary marked not only a time for mourning but also for reminding people of the impact of the tragedy that has been felt by survivors, family and the entire “Ahmedabad” community.