One year after the Ahmedabad plane crash killed 260 people, the families of victims say the pain has not dimmed — only deepened. On the first anniversary of the disaster, relatives and survivors spoke to reporters about the emotional void their loved ones have left behind and the trauma that continues to reshape their daily lives.

Voices of the Bereaved

Sureshbhai Metaria, father of victim Akash Metaria, said the tragedy had shattered everything his family once knew. 'My son is no longer with us. He used to bring tiffin for his mother every day. On that day, I had gone in an auto-rickshaw to receive him. I pray that such an incident never happens anywhere in the world and that no family has to endure this kind of suffering. Such tragedies destroy lives. My life has been ruined,' he said, struggling to hold back tears.

Metaria described how grief pervades even the most ordinary moments at home. 'We do not feel like doing anything anymore. We do not even feel like staying at home. Whenever we enter the house, family members start crying. Within minutes, memories overwhelm us. My son could not escape because the plane crashed directly on him,' he said.

Saud Memon, who lost four members of his family — his brother, sister-in-law, and their two children — recalled the moment he first heard about the disaster. 'I was in college when a friend called me and sent me a few names because he knew my brother was returning to London. What happened that day is something none of us can ever forget,' he said. Memon noted that his brother had travelled home to celebrate Eid. 'We were all very happy. When it was time for him to return to London, I even accompanied him to the airport. We still have not received clear answers about why this tragedy happened,' he added. He also showed reporters the last photograph taken with his family at the airport before their departure.

Another unnamed family member said they were still waiting for accountability. 'We are hoping that we will get justice. My mother was on her way to meet my brother when the tragedy occurred. My brother has been living in London for the last three years,' the person said.

A Survivor's Account

Survivor Kalpana Ben recounted the terrifying moments she lived through in the immediate aftermath of the crash. 'A girl cried out to me, saying, 'Masi, please get me out, there is a fire.' I reached out to help her, and my hand got burned. After rescuing her, I somehow managed to escape. My saree, dupatta, mobile phone and even my shoes were burnt. My feet were badly injured. People were running in panic. I could barely stand and had to crawl on my knees. My hands and knees were severely burnt due to the intense heat,' she recalled.

What Happened on That Day

The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into the hostel complex of B.J. Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 people on the ground, according to official reports — a total of 260 fatalities. The sole survivor of the aircraft was a British national, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who escaped from seat 11A.

The crash ranked among India's deadliest aviation disasters in recent years, triggering national mourning and large-scale rescue and identification operations. DNA testing was required to identify many victims due to severe burns and impact damage. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among those killed and was later identified through DNA analysis.

Investigation and Compensation Disputes

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) continues to probe the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings have reportedly pointed to technical and operational factors, though a final conclusion has not yet been released. Questions surrounding possible pilot actions, technical failures, and a fuel cutoff switch theory remain under active examination.

Air India has denied allegations that families are being pressured to sign legal waivers in exchange for compensation. The Tata Group-owned airline stated there is 'absolutely no deadline or pressure' on anyone to accept its final settlement offer. The clarification followed claims by the daughter of former Chief Minister Rupani, who alleged that the airline was pressuring families to sign legal documents related to compensation claims. Families say they are still awaiting answers, accountability, and closure.

What Comes Next

The damaged hostel complex of B.J. Medical College has been earmarked for reconstruction into a larger facility as part of state government redevelopment plans. The AAIB's final investigation report is still awaited, and the families of the 260 victims say they will not find peace until it is released and those responsible are held to account.