Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 — The Air India Flight AI171 tragedy has left the nation in mourning, as officials continue the painstaking task of identifyi
Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 — The Air India Flight AI171 tragedy has left the nation in mourning, as officials continue the painstaking task of identifying the remains of those who lost their lives. In a scene filled with grief, broken metal, and unanswered prayers, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the crash site near Ahmedabad on Wednesday morning.
Following his visit, Shah addressed the media and the public, saying:
“The crash was devastating. Due to the severe condition of the bodies, we cannot release a confirmed death toll until proper DNA testing is conducted.”
His words reflected the grim reality at the site. The impact of the crash was so intense that many of the bodies are either unrecognizable or badly charred, making traditional identification impossible. While the estimated death toll currently stands at 290, officials have clarified that only DNA tests can provide the final, confirmed count of victims.
A Site of Unimaginable Devastation
The crash took place just minutes after takeoff, and its debris rained down on a wide stretch of land, tragically striking a portion of the BJ Medical College hostel, where several students were also killed or severely injured. The plane, which was en route to Delhi, carried a full load of passengers, including children, doctors, and international travelers.
Shah, accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and top officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), spent nearly an hour at the wreckage site. They also met with rescue personnel, state disaster teams, and medical staff working around the clock to recover bodies and provide assistance to survivors.
“Our first responsibility is to the families of the deceased,” Shah said, “and we will not rush the identification process just for the sake of numbers. Every victim deserves dignity, and every family deserves certainty.”
DNA Testing: The Only Way Forward
Due to the high temperatures during the crash and resulting fire, many of the bodies have been reduced to fragments. Forensic experts from AIIMS and the Gujarat Forensic Science University have already begun the process of collecting tissue samples, blood, and bone fragments for DNA matching.
These samples will be compared with those of the victims’ relatives — a process that may take several days, and in some cases, even weeks.
“We are setting up fast-track testing labs, but we must balance speed with accuracy,” said a senior official with the Gujarat Health Department.
Families in Agony
Outside the city morgues and hospitals, hundreds of anxious relatives are waiting — some with hope, others with the unbearable weight of reality. Many are clutching photographs, ID cards, or even personal belongings of their loved ones in hopes that someone can help them identify the dead.
For many families, not having a body to grieve over is adding to their trauma. One father, who came from Rajasthan to find his 24-year-old son, said:
“I just want to see my child’s face one last time. Even that may not be possible now. They say we need to give a blood sample. I’m ready. Just give me some closure.”
These stories are countless — mothers searching for daughters, brothers looking for sisters, friends desperately combing hospital lists. DNA testing now holds the key to ending their sleepless nights.
Government’s Assurance
Home Minister Shah also announced that:
A special task force has been set up to handle identification and reporting.
Families of victims will be assigned case officers to streamline updates and communication.
A 24×7 control room is operating in Ahmedabad to respond to queries and collect DNA samples from relatives.
The central government is coordinating with state health departments to ensure that the process is respectful, scientifically sound, and humane.
“I assure every family — no matter how far you are from Ahmedabad — we will reach you. You will be given all information, and every help required to complete this process,” Shah added.
A Nation Waits
As search and recovery continue, the nation has entered a period of collective mourning. Schools have held silence vigils, airports have seen moments of tribute, and prayers are being offered across faiths. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called the crash a “national tragedy,” has reportedly been in regular contact with Shah and Gujarat officials to monitor the situation.
While the final death count remains uncertain, the message from Shah was clear: “This is not about numbers. It’s about names. Faces. Families. We owe them truth, not haste.”
Final Thoughts
In a world where news moves quickly and statistics often replace stories, Amit Shah’s statement brings us back to the human side of tragedy. Behind every DNA sample lies a family waiting to mourn — a family that deserves answers, however difficult they may be to find.
Until the final tests are completed and each soul is named and honored, India waits — with folded hands, heavy hearts, and the hope that those lost will be returned to their loved ones, at least in name and memory.
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