Air India plane had 1.25 lakh litres of fuel, intensity of flames made it impossible to save people—Amit Shah

The Print

20 hours ago

Confirming details of the ill-fated flight, Shah added, 'This aircraft had a total of 230 passengers—both domestic and international—and 12 crew members on board. Among them, we have received the positive news that one passenger has survived. I have met him.'
'Air India flight number AI-171 has crashed. There is a possibility that many passengers died in this incident. The entire nation is in shock because of this tragic accident and stands united in deep solidarity with the families of those affected,' Shah said while addressing the media.
New Delhi: Hours after the catastrophic crash of Air India flight AI-171 near Ahmedabad, Union Home Minister Amit Shah landed in Gujarat to take stock of the situation. The crash, which claimed the lives of nearly all 242 onboard, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, marks one of the worst civil aviation disasters in India in over a decade.
'The official number of deceased will only be confirmed after DNA testing and identification by authorities. But yes, I have met the surviving passenger,' Shah said.
He also said that both the Centre and the state government responded to the tragedy swiftly. 'Within just 10 minutes of the accident, the Government of India received information. I immediately got in touch with the chief minister, the home minister, the home department control room, the civil aviation department, and the civil aviation minister. The Prime Minister also called immediately.'
Adding, 'All departments of the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat began coordinated relief and rescue operations without delay.'
The survivor's story, though yet to be fully known, has emerged as a symbol of hope amid overwhelming loss.
The rest of the rescue and recovery process, however, remains grim.
The home minister detailed the coordinated multi-agency response initiated in the immediate aftermath.
'Immediately after the incident, the Gujarat government activated all disaster management units—be it the health department, the fire brigade, or the police department…also coordinated with the CAPF. All agencies worked together to begin relief and rescue operations,' he said.
Yet, the intensity of the fire left by the crash was a near-insurmountable barrier. 'Since there were over 1.25 lakh litres of fuel in the aircraft, the temperature rose to such extreme levels that there was no opportunity to rescue anyone,' he explained.
After visiting the crash site, Shah offered a situational update: 'The task of retrieving the deceased bodies of the passengers is nearly complete. DNA collection from family members who have already arrived here will be completed in two to three hours.'
Efforts to notify and involve next of kin overseas have also been completed, he said, adding, 'For passengers with relatives abroad, information has already been conveyed. Once they arrive, their DNA samples will also be collected. DNA collection from the recovered bodies is also complete.'
Shah underscored that Gujarat is equipped to handle the task. 'Around 1,000 DNA tests will need to be conducted here in Gujarat itself. Gujarat has the capacity to conduct all these tests, so there is no need to send samples outside the state. Gujarat's Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the National Forensic Science University will together complete the testing as quickly as possible, so that the bodies can be handed over to the families.'
Apart from identification, the human cost of the tragedy is being addressed through logistical and medical support. 'All arrangements have been made for accommodation, emotional support, and medical care for those who are experiencing trauma or distress due to the tragedy,' he said.
A review meeting held earlier in the day helped assess ongoing operations, Shah pointed out. 'In today's review meeting, all the ministers jointly examined the arrangements. The aviation Department has started its investigation. The civil aviation minister has also assured that the inquiry will move forward quickly.'
Recognizing the efforts of first responders, Shah added, 'Once again, I want to thank all the agencies involved in rescue and relief for their swift response.'
Shah further said that accidents cannot be prevented entirely.
'I must say this—accidents cannot be prevented entirely. But the readiness of an administration is truly tested in moments like this. And today, Gujarat's disaster management preparedness, though tested under tragic circumstances, has proven itself. The efficiency and speed with which the teams have worked have been seen not only by the nation but also by the media and the grieving families.'
(Edited by Amrtansh Arora)
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