Year Later, Air India Crash Still Haunts Ahmedabad

A year has passed since an Air India plane crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel complex in Ahmedabad, killing 19 people on the ground, including Sarlaben and her granddaughter Aadhya. Prahlod Thakur, their surviving family member, continues to live with the fresh pain of their loss, surrounded by their photographs.

The hostel complex, the site of the disaster, still stands damaged, its upper floors open to the sky. This wreckage serves as a constant, grim reminder for students who pass it daily and for residents like Thakur, for whom the sound of planes overhead now evokes deep sadness.

Survivors like Arman Khan Pathan and Aditya Dayal recall the terrifying moments of the crash and the overwhelming aftermath. Brijesh, who sustained burn injuries, undergoes ongoing physiotherapy. Residents who assisted in the rescue efforts are also haunted by the images of fire and devastation.

Dean Meenakshi Parikh navigated the immense grief and logistical challenges of keeping the medical college functioning. She remembers the profound loss experienced by many families, highlighting one father's insistence on identifying his family members by sight alone.

As the anniversary approaches, Ahmedabad plans a prayer meeting, a blood donation drive, and tree planting. However, Parikh notes that moving forward is a gradual process, not a singular moment of resolution for those affected by the tragedy.