Since 40 years ago, an annual tribute is held for the victims who were on the Air France Caravelle on September 11, 1968, which crashed off Cap d’Antibes. On September 11, 2009, a memorial mass will be held at 10:30 AM at Sainte-Hélène Church in Nice, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the remembrance stele. For the 41st anniversary of this tragedy, Christian Estrosi, the Mayor of Nice, will be present at the site. Following the catastrophe, a committee comprising 35 families was formed to uncover the truth. The initial report released in 1972 mentioned a fire, the origin of which remained undetermined. However, the victims’ families dispute this theory. In possession of new elements in 2007, including unpublished testimonies and a report from the Toulon prefecture, the collective demands the reopening of the investigation based on new evidence. This request was rejected by the Nice prosecutor’s office. However, Maître Sollacaro, one of the collective’s lawyers, stated in the weekly L’Express that he has proof of military activities in the area traversed by the plane.
The possibility of an accident is dismissed
To advance the investigation, Michèle Alliot-Marie, the former Minister of the Interior, indicated in a 2006 letter that defense secrecy could be lifted “in the interest of uncovering the truth.” Two journalists conducted an investigation and authored a book (State Secret*) in which they clarify different points. According to them, missile firings occurred between 8:30 AM and 12:00 PM precisely where the Caravelle passed. Furthermore, modified documents highlighting military maneuvers were accessed by the two journalists. Evidently, through these writings, the military services bear significant responsibility for the tragedy. Other points still require clarification, but on September 11, 2009, the families will have only one thought in mind: to reflect on their loved ones.
