Air India plane crash: Temperature was so high due to burning fuel that there was no chance to save anyone, says Amit Shah
In the wake of one of India’s worst aviation disasters, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has described a harrowing scene. He stated that the intense fire, triggered by over 125,000 litres of jet fuel, created such extreme heat that survival was impossible. Shah’s remarks came after he visited the crash site and met the only survivor in the hospital.
Crash After Takeoff: A Tragedy Unfolds
On the morning of June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. It was bound for London and carried 242 people, including crew members.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion. Within seconds, the aircraft turned into a fireball and fell near the outskirts of the city. Many watched in horror as black smoke rose from the crash site.
Amit Shah’s Assessment: “No One Could Have Been Saved”
After inspecting the wreckage, Amit Shah addressed the media. He said:
“The plane had over 1.25 lakh litres of fuel. The explosion was massive. The temperature was so high that no one could survive.”
Rescue workers told Shah that the heat from the fuel fire was beyond control. The fire spread rapidly and engulfed the entire aircraft. It prevented first responders from entering the core wreckage for several minutes.
Flames Too Fierce for Rescue
According to experts, jet fuel—mainly kerosene—can burn at temperatures exceeding 1,000°C. At this level, not even fireproof suits offer enough protection. Firefighters tried to approach the burning fuselage but couldn’t get close in time.
NDRF personnel said they couldn’t enter the wreckage immediately. The aircraft’s body had melted, and flames spread to nearby trees and the surrounding ground.
Only one person, a British national in seat 11A, survived. The impact had thrown him clear of the aircraft. Doctors say he sustained several injuries but remains stable.
Identifying the Victims
The intense fire charred many bodies beyond recognition. Forensic teams are now using DNA testing to identify victims. Officials are collecting samples from belongings and matching them with family records.
The Gujarat government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased. Air India has also set up a global helpline for relatives. The Ministry of External Affairs is helping families of international passengers.
Survivor’s Account Could Aid Probe
Doctors say the lone survivor mentioned hearing a “loud bang” before losing consciousness. His memory may help investigators piece together what happened inside the aircraft during its final moments.
Authorities recovered one of the black boxes on Thursday evening. DGCA officials, along with Boeing engineers, are now analyzing the data. They hope to uncover the chain of events that led to the crash.
Experts Raise Safety Concerns
The crash has sparked fresh concerns about aviation safety. Some officials have questioned aircraft maintenance procedures. Internal sources at Air India revealed that the aircraft cleared its last check without any major issues.
International aviation bodies, including FAA and EASA, have expressed concern. Boeing has offered technical support. A team from the company is expected to arrive in India soon.
Amit Shah’s Message to the Nation
Home Minister Amit Shah concluded his visit with a message of sorrow and responsibility. He said:
“This is a national tragedy. We stand with every family in grief. The government will ensure a full investigation and take all steps to avoid such incidents.”
As families mourn and the nation grieves, this disaster reminds us how devastating aviation failures can be. The immense heat and fuel-driven fire left rescuers helpless. The crash exposed the limits of emergency response and the terrible force of jet fuel in a mid-air emergency.
