Ahmedabad, June 9 (IANS) Around 150 families who lost loved ones in the Air India Flight AI-171 disaster have approached authorities seeking support for a remembrance gathering at the crash site in Ahmedabad’s Meghani Nagar on June 12, the first anniversary of the tragedy that claimed 260 lives.
In a letter dated June 8, Kuldip Ishrani, representing bereaved families, requested police assistance for a memorial programme scheduled from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the site where the London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad last year.
Family members and relatives are expected to attend the event, which will include a period of silence, a candlelight prayer and tributes to those who died.
“We, the family members of the deceased, humbly request police support at the AI-171 crash site in the Meghani Nagar area on 12th June 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Around 150 family members and relatives are expected to gather at the AI-171 crash site to observe silence, hold a small candlelight prayer, and pay respects to their loved ones,” the letter stated.
The families described the programme as a peaceful and respectful remembrance event and sought assistance with crowd management, traffic control, safety arrangements and the smooth conduct of the gathering.
They also assured authorities that participants would cooperate fully with instructions issued by the police and other government agencies.
The request was copied to the Assistant Commissioner of Police, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, the Commissioner of Police, the Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner, and the Ahmedabad District Collector.
However, Ishrani said access to the crash site remains restricted because the area falls within the scope of the ongoing investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
“I have just spoken with the Meghani Nagar Police Inspector. He informed me that the crash site is currently under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Therefore, the police are unable to grant any permission related to access to the crash site,” Ishrani said.
He further said, “If anyone wishes to visit the crash site or organise any program there, permission must be obtained directly from the AAIB by contacting them via email. Additionally, if we wish to hold any religious ceremony, prayer meeting, or tribute program on the road, we will need to obtain permission from the Shahibaug Police Station.”
Flight AI-171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed within minutes of departure from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12.
The aircraft came down in the Meghani Nagar area, striking buildings linked to B.J. Medical College.
The disaster killed 260 people, including passengers, crew members and residents on the ground, while one passenger survived. Nearly a year later, the AAIB investigation remains ongoing.
The bureau has repeatedly stated that no final conclusions have been reached and has urged caution against speculation regarding the cause of the crash.
Reports published in recent months indicate that investigators are expected to release a further report around the anniversary period, although the final findings may still take longer because of the complexity of the investigation.
The proposed remembrance gathering is expected to bring together families from across India and abroad as they mark one year since the country’s deadliest aviation disaster in decades and remember those who lost their lives in the AI-171 crash.
–IANS
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