Victims’ relatives get nod to hold candlelight vigil outside AI 171 crash site

Ahmedabad: A year after the AI 171 crash devastated hundreds of families, relatives of the victims have received permission to return to the site of the tragedy for a candlelight vigil. Around 150 family members are expected to gather outside the Meghaninagar crash site on June 12. Many have travelled from the UK and different parts of India for the anniversary.

The event will be among several tributes planned to remember the 260 lives lost.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-4) Atul Bansal confirmed that the required permission has been granted. “Relatives of Air India crash victims have sought permission to hold candlelight vigil and other events outside the crash site which was given,” he said.

The families had earlier approached multiple authorities after being informed that the crash site remained under the jurisdiction of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). In an email sent to the AAIB, the families requested permission to visit the site between 5.15pm and 6pm on June 12 to pay tribute to those who perished in the tragedy.

Sources familiar with the preparations said family members have travelled from the UK and various parts of India to attend events marking the first anniversary of the crash.

Several relatives said the vigil is intended to be a private and dignified tribute, as many families continue to grapple with the trauma of losing their loved ones. “A number of families have come from the UK and different parts of the country for the anniversary. They have requested peace and privacy as many are still grappling with the trauma of the incident and the loss of their loved ones,” said a family member on condition of anonymity.

A candlelight gathering had also been organised by families on the second-month anniversary of the tragedy in Aug last year.

Meanwhile, Civil Hospital and BJ Medical College have announced a separate remembrance programme on June 12. According to an official communication, a prayer meeting will be held at the medical college on Friday morning. Following the event, students and staff will plant 260 trees across the campus in memory of the 260 victims who lost their lives in the crash.

The tribute will honour not only the passengers and crew members aboard the aircraft but also those killed on the ground, including medical students, creating a living memorial to one of the deadliest aviation disasters linked to the city.