Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday evening visited the site of the tragic Air India crash near Ahmedabad, where a London-bound Boeing 787 aircraft carrying 242 people – including 232 passengers and 10 crew members – went down minutes after takeoff Speaking to the media following his inspection of the wreckage and visits to hospitals treating the injured, Shah confirmed that the official death toll will be announced only after DNA testing and identification of the victims are completed. “We are awaiting results from DNA tests and matching them with family records. Only then will the final number be confirmed,” he said, urging patience and respect for the victims’ families.
The crash site, located in the Meghaninagar area, remains under tight security as rescue teams continue to work around the clock. Shah stated that nearly all bodies have been recovered, and DNA sample collection is underway for those whose relatives have arrived. For passengers with families abroad, notifications have already been sent. The aircraft, loaded with approximately 1.25 lakh litres of jet fuel, exploded after crashing into the vicinity of BJ Medical College’s hostel, resulting in intense fires that made survival nearly impossible. However, one passenger has miraculously survived and is currently receiving medical care.
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Shah praised the swift coordination between central and state disaster response teams, noting that all emergency management units have been placed on high alert. He emphasized that the scale of the crash and the intensity of the explosion necessitate a methodical and respectful identification process.
With national attention now focused on the cause and consequences of the disaster, Shah’s presence on the ground reflects the Centre’s commitment to transparency and support. The government has promised timely updates as identification efforts proceed and investigations continue.