Forty years of mysteries and suffering for the families who lost a loved one in the catastrophe. This accident, with causes that remain uncertain, still fuels controversy. Officially, a fire at the rear of the aircraft is said to have caused the accident. This version continues to offend these families. They remain convinced it was a military blunder. The plane is believed to have been hit by a missile while flying over a test area.
### Quest for Truth
Despite numerous efforts by the bereaved families, doubt lingers on and on. On the fortieth anniversary, the investigation titled State Secret [[Published by Ramsay Editions]], which revisits the theme of military error, finally appears. The publication date of this book is perfectly “calculated” by the authors, journalists Max Clanet and Jean-Michel Verne. Indeed, they hope for significant progress in uncovering the truth. A work that, according to them, is entirely based on proven facts and rich documentation. Will it be enough to revive judicial proceedings? No, because according to JM Verne, present at the ceremony, “the case is stalled, and the decision for a possible reopening must come from politicians.” But they are certain: “The aircraft was subjected to a missile strike.”
### The Remembrance
Meanwhile, every year, a tribute is paid to the deceased. As today, at the Sainte-Hรฉlรจne Church where a mass was held. A gathering around the memorial stele in the Ferber garden preceded a wreath-laying. “It is a moment of solidarity,” declares the President of the Corsican Assembly, Camille de Rocca Serra. “It is our duty to be present; it allows families to gather and support each other. For them, mourning means knowing the truth.” For the Deputy Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, “This commemoration is important because there are families still seeking explanations to mourn. It is important that we can gather every year to show them our solidarity and affection.”
Against all expectations, the crash of the Ajaccio Nice Caravelle continues to draw much attention. The same question lingers in everyone’s mind: will the truth ever emerge?
