‘We No Longer Look to the Skies’: The Untold Stories of Air India Crash Victims Not on Board
The tragic aftermath of an Air India plane crash that occurred in June last year continues to haunt the lives of many in Ahmedabad. Among the victims were Prahlod Thakur’s wife, Sarlaben, and their granddaughter, Aadhya, who were killed when the aircraft struck the BJ Medical College hostel complex. As the first anniversary of the disaster approaches, the community grapples with the lasting impact of the tragedy, while plans for rebuilding the damaged site remain in limbo.
Memories of Loss
For Prahlod Thakur, the memories of his loved ones linger vividly in his small home, where photographs of Sarlaben and Aadhya adorn the walls. The pain of their absence is palpable as he reflects on the day of the crash, which claimed the lives of 19 people on the ground and 241 aboard the flight. “I just miss them,” Thakur shares, his voice heavy with grief. The emotional scars of that day remain fresh, and he often finds himself in tears when he gazes at their pictures. As investigators prepare to release a report on the crash, the focus has largely been on the passengers, leaving the families of those lost on the ground to navigate their own sorrow.
The Physical Remnants of Tragedy
The BJ Medical College hostel, where the crash occurred, still stands in disrepair, serving as a grim reminder of the disaster. Its upper floors are exposed to the elements, with debris scattered throughout the site. The building, which once housed students, now resembles an open wound, with soot-stained walls and remnants of personal belongings buried beneath rubble. Although officials have approved plans to demolish the complex and construct a new hostel, the wreckage remains untouched for now. Students passing by on their way to lectures are reminded of the tragedy with every glance at the damaged structure. The sound of planes overhead, once a familiar backdrop to their lives, now carries a weight of sorrow for those who lost loved ones.
Survivors’ Stories
Survivors of the crash recount harrowing experiences that forever altered their lives. Arman Khan Pathan was seated for lunch when the explosion occurred, leaving him trapped under debris. He vividly remembers the chaos and darkness that enveloped him as he struggled to breathe. His friend, Aditya Dayal, arrived shortly after and helped carry him to safety. A year later, both young men still grapple with the memories of that day, including the sight of charred bodies and the overwhelming smell of smoke. For others like Brijesh, who suffered burn injuries, the physical scars serve as a constant reminder of the tragedy. He continues to undergo physiotherapy while navigating the challenges of daily life.
Community Resilience and Remembrance
As the anniversary of the crash approaches, BJ Medical College is planning a series of memorial events, including a prayer meeting and a blood donation drive, to honor the victims. Dean Meenakshi Parikh reflects on the challenges of maintaining the college’s operations amid the grief that enveloped the community. She recalls the heart-wrenching moments of parents searching for their children and the overwhelming responsibility of supporting both students and families during the aftermath. While life at the college has resumed, the emotional toll remains. Parikh emphasizes that moving forward does not equate to moving on, as the community continues to process the tragedy. In his home, Thakur seeks solace in memories, often watching a video of Aadhya feeding Sarlaben just a day before the crash, a bittersweet reminder of the love and joy that once filled their lives.
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