Ahmedabad, June 12 – Union Home Minister Amit Shah today articulated the profound sorrow gripping the nation following the tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad. The flight, bound for London with 230 passengers and 12 crew members, met a catastrophic end shortly after take-off, leaving a trail of devastation and widespread fear for those onboard. Shah affirmed that the entire country stands united in grief with the families affected by this horrific incident.
Addressing a somber press conference, the Home Minister detailed the swift governmental response to the tragedy. “The nation is mourning this horrific loss,” Shah stated, confirming that central authorities were apprised of the accident within a mere ten minutes. He immediately contacted the Gujarat Chief Minister, Home Minister, and the Civil Aviation Minister, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his concern within moments. All pertinent central and state agencies are now meticulously engaged in a coordinated rescue operation.
Amidst the overwhelming despair, a singular ray of hope emerged as Shah confirmed the presence of one survivor. However, the minister also painted a grim picture of the conditions at the crash site, noting that the aircraft was carrying a staggering 1.25 lakh litres of fuel. The combination of extreme heat and the sheer force of the explosion meant there was “virtually no chance of survival for most onboard.”
Shah further elaborated on the challenging process of victim identification and retrieval. He confirmed that the retrieval of bodies is nearing completion, and an extensive DNA sampling process is underway to ensure accurate identification before the remains are released to their grieving families. “Over 1,000 DNA tests will be conducted, including those from relatives living abroad. Samples from the deceased have also been collected,” he added, highlighting the meticulous efforts being made.
In a show of solidarity and direct engagement, Amit Shah personally visited the crash site and met with the lone survivor. He stressed that the Aviation Minister has issued directives for a prompt and comprehensive investigation into the exact cause of the crash. Furthermore, a high-level review meeting was convened where all facets of the incident were thoroughly deliberated, underlining the government’s commitment to understanding and addressing the factors that led to this catastrophe. The official death toll is pending DNA verification, and the government has pledged to keep families informed and provide unwavering support throughout this agonizing period.