Air India plane crash: Temperature was so high due to burning fuel that there was no chance to save anyone, says Amit Shah

On Thursday afternoon, after coming to know about the incident, Shah first made a call to the Gujarat Chief Minister, their Home Minister, Civil Aviation department and officials of the civil department. Later in the evening, he left for Ahmedabad and visited the aircraft crash site as well the hospital where victims were taken.

“The number of those killed will be officially released by the authorities after completing the DNA test and identification of the victims. The DNA sampling process for relatives who have reached the incident site will be completed within the next two–three hours. Families whose relatives are abroad have already been informed, and their DNA samples will be taken upon arrival,” Shah said.

Family members of one of the victims in Ahmedabad. (Reuters)

“The Gujarat’s Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) will jointly complete the DNA testing in the shortest possible time, after which the bodies of the deceased will be handed over to their families,” he added.

Shah expressed condolences to relatives of those killed in the accident. “The entire nation is shocked by the unfortunate incident involving Air India flight number AI-171. All citizens of the country stand in solidarity with the families of the passengers who were affected by this tragedy. On behalf of the Government of India, the Government of Gujarat, and the Hon’ble Prime Minister, I express deep condolences to all those who lost their lives,” he said.

An Air India plane crashes moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport, Thursday. (Express Photo by Bhupendra Rana)

Shah said the good news is that one person survived the crash and he met with him.

“I want to say one thing: it was an accident and no one stopped any accident. But for 365 days, the alertness of all concerned departments will be checked during such incidents. And today, the alertness of the disaster management of the State government was checked in an unfortunate incident. The Centre and the Government of Gujarat are jointly engaged in relief and rescue operations,” he said.

The canteen of the medical college hostel hit by the plane. (PTI)

Shah said immediately after the incident, the State government alerted all disaster management units, including the Health Department, Fire Brigade, Police Department, and also involved the CAPF units. “All agencies jointly began relief and rescue efforts. All necessary arrangements have been made for the accommodation, mental support, and trauma care of the affected family members,” he added.

People stand around debris at the site of an airplane that crashed in India’s northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state. (Express Photo)

Western Rly to run two trains for stranded passengers

New Delhi: Following the Air India plane crash at Ahmedabad airport, the western Railway has decided to run two special trains on Ahmedabad-Mumbai and Ahmedabad-Delhi routes to facilitate movement of passengers stranded due to flight disruptions.

The trains have been listed on the IRCTC website for the booking. Station managers have been directed to make regular announcements about the trains and display their details on the notice boards.

While two trains left on Thursday, one leaves on Friday.

“Mumbai Central-Ahmedabad Superfast Special will depart from Mumbai Central on June 13, 2025 at 11.10 hrs and reach Ahmedabad at 19.30 hrs on the same day,” said the ministry. —ENS