Ahmedabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, saying that the entire nation stands united with the families of the victims.
Addressing the media after visiting the crash site as per news agency JKNS, HM Shah said that the central government received information within 10 minutes of the incident. “I contacted the Gujarat Chief Minister, the state Home Minister, and the Civil Aviation Minister. The Prime Minister also called immediately,” he said, adding that all departments at the Centre and state level are working in coordination to complete the rescue operation.
The flight, which was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. Shah said that the aircraft was carrying nearly 1.25 lakh litres of fuel, which contributed to the intensity of the fire and reduced chances of survival. “There is some good news about one survivor whom I met personally,” he noted, but added that the death toll would be confirmed only after DNA verification.
Shah revealed that DNA samples from both the deceased and their family members including relatives abroad are being collected for identification. “Around 1,000 DNA tests will be carried out,” he said, confirming that once verification is complete, the bodies will be handed over to the families.
He also confirmed that a review meeting was held in which all aspects of the tragedy were discussed. “The Civil Aviation Minister has ordered a fast-track investigation into the cause of the crash,” Shah added. (JKNS)
