Amit Shah: Heat from Burning Fuel Left No Chance of Survival in Ahmedabad Air India Crash

Ahmedabad — Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the intensity of the fire caused by the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad left virtually no chance for survival. The tragedy, which has shocked the entire nation, involved a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, claiming 241 lives.

Speaking to reporters, Shah said, “There was 1.25 lakh litres of fuel inside the aircraft. Due to the massive fire resulting from this, the temperature at the crash site was extremely high, making it impossible to save anyone.”

He expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families of the victims. “The entire nation is mourning this loss. It is a deeply tragic moment,” he said.

Shah confirmed that DNA testing is underway to officially identify the victims. “The exact number of those killed will be released after DNA tests confirm identities,” he added. He also informed the media that the process of collecting DNA samples from the deceased has been completed. These will now be tested by the Forensic Science Laboratory and the National Forensic Sciences University in Gujarat.

Highlighting a rare moment of hope, Shah revealed, “The good news is that one person has survived. I just came from meeting him.”

The Air India Flight AI-171, carrying 230 passengers, 10 crew members, and two pilots, crashed into a residential area near BJ Medical College shortly after takeoff on Thursday afternoon, turning a routine journey into a national tragedy.