One Year Later: Remembering the Ahmedabad Plane Crash Victims
Commemoration of the Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Ahmedabad, June 12: On the first anniversary of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, families of the victims gathered at the site on Friday to honor their loved ones, while the incident continued to stir painful memories among local residents and the families of survivors.
Kajal, a relative of one of the victims, shared her heart-wrenching experience of learning about the accident. Her brother, Akash, was among those who perished in the crash.
“I was living nearby when I heard about the crash. Upon arriving at the scene, I discovered that it had occurred right in front of my mother's hotel. I immediately contacted my sister and grandmother to check on my mother and brother, but no one informed me initially that Akash was involved,” she recounted.
As she reflected on the tragic events, Kajal mentioned that her mother attempted to rescue Akash after the plane struck the area but was unable to reach him in time.
“My brother was asleep when the crash happened. My mother tried to save him, but she couldn't get to him quickly enough. He lost his life in that incident,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.
Another victim's family member, Gurdeep Singh, voiced his frustration regarding the lack of progress in addressing the aftermath of the tragedy.
“A year has gone by since the crash, yet there has been no significant action taken,” he stated.
Family members, local residents, and officials gathered at the site to pay their respects to the victims. Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India, also honored those who lost their lives in the disaster.
Senior officials from the British High Commission were expected to visit the crash site later in the afternoon. In preparation for their arrival, security measures were heightened, with police and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) conducting thorough checks in the vicinity.
The Air India Flight AI-171 disaster occurred on June 12, 2025, when the aircraft, bound for London Gatwick, crashed into a medical hostel complex in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar area shortly after takeoff. The tragedy resulted in nearly 260 fatalities, including passengers, crew members, and individuals on the ground, marking it as one of the most catastrophic aviation disasters in recent Indian history.
While an initial investigation report has been published, the final report is still pending. Investigators continue to explore questions regarding potential pilot errors, technical malfunctions, and the fuel cutoff switch theory. Families of the victims are still seeking answers, accountability, and closure.
In response to allegations that families were being pressured to sign legal waivers for compensation, Air India has denied such claims. The airline, owned by the Tata Group, stated that there is “absolutely no deadline or pressure” on anyone to accept its final settlement offer.
This clarification followed claims made by the daughter of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was among the 260 victims. She alleged that the airline was pressuring families to sign legal documents concerning compensation claims.
As the anniversary of this tragedy arrives, the grief remains palpable for many families, who continue to seek justice, answers, and a lasting tribute to their loved ones.