Amit Shah Visits Ahmedabad Plane Crash Site With CM And Aviation Minister

Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, on Thursday called the Air India Flight AI171 crash a ‘national tragedy’. He said the entire nation was mourning the massive loss of life.

The Home Minister assured families of the victims that the government would offer full support in this time of sorrow.

Shah visited the Civil Hospital in Asarwa, Ahmedabad. He met the only survivor, spoke with families of the deceased, and reviewed the medical response.

Later, Shah chaired a high-level meeting with officials from the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Gujarat government. The team reviewed rescue efforts and coordinated the investigation.

Rescue teams mobilised immediately

“This heartbreaking incident has shaken us all,” Shah said at a press briefing. “The Hon’ble Prime Minister responded immediately. All departments of the Government of India and the Gujarat Government are working together on relief and rescue.”

Shah shared details of the crash. “The aircraft carried 230 passengers, including Indian and foreign nationals, and 12 crew members. Amidst this tragedy, there is one hopeful sign—one passenger has survived. I have personally met him,” he said.

Earlier, taking to X, Shah posted, “Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with the Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the situation.”

DNA process will confirm identities

Amit Shah underlined the severity of the Air India crash. He said DNA testing is underway to identify the dead.

“Only after the DNA process is completed will we release the names,” he stated.

Shah explained the intensity of the disaster. The fire after the crash was so severe that there was no chance to save anything. The wreckage was engulfed in flames, which made immediate rescue nearly impossible.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was flying to London Gatwick. It crashed minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The aircraft struck a doctors’ hostel near a medical college. The explosion that followed killed over 200 people, including passengers, crew, and civilians on the ground.

Rescue teams are still carrying out recovery and identification efforts.

Also Read: Ahmedabad Plane Crash: One Miraculously Survive As Rescue Efforts Continue