“The Nation Stands in Solidarity” with Crash Victims’ Families: HM Shah

GG News Bureau
Ahmedabad, June: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday visited the devastating crash site of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, following the tragic accident that has sent shockwaves across the nation.

Upon his arrival, the Home Minister convened a high-level meeting with Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, and other senior officials to thoroughly review the ongoing relief and rescue operations.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Shah conveyed the nation’s collective grief. “The entire nation is shocked by the unfortunate incident involving Air India flight number AI-171,” he stated, emphasizing that “all citizens of the country stand in solidarity with the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy.” He extended “deep condolences” on behalf of the Government of India, the Government of Gujarat, and the Prime Minister to all who lost their lives.

Shah highlighted the immediate and coordinated response to the disaster. He noted that upon receiving information about the crash, the Government of Gujarat promptly alerted all disaster management units, including the Health Department, Fire Brigade, Police Department, and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) of the Government of India. He affirmed that “the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat are jointly engaged in the relief and rescue efforts.”

Providing an update on the casualties, the Home Minister confirmed that there were a total of 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board, comprising both domestic and international travelers. He also shared that he had met an injured survivor at the hospital.

Regarding the identification of victims, Shah clarified that “the official number of deceased will be declared only after the completion of DNA testing.” He added that the DNA sampling process for relatives who have arrived at the site is expected to be completed within the next 2-3 hours. Families of deceased passengers residing abroad have been informed, and their DNA samples will be collected upon their arrival in India. Gujarat’s Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) will jointly ensure that DNA testing is completed in the shortest possible time, facilitating the swift handover of bodies to their families.

The Home Minister also confirmed that the Aviation Department has “promptly initiated its investigation” into the cause of the accident. He concluded by expressing his gratitude to all agencies involved in the ongoing relief and rescue efforts.