Curiosity Sparks Chaos As Crowds Swarm Air India Crash Site, Gujarat Police Urge Restraint

Last Updated:June 15, 2025, 19:36 IST

The presence of civilians in the area could interfere with crucial forensic and aviation investigations being conducted by both Indian and international teams.

Image from the crash site (Credits: IANS)

The Ahmedabad flight crash turned into a nightmare for several families who would never see their loved ones returning back home. Three days after the horrific accident on June 12, the relief and rescue operation at the site still continues.

Amid the ongoing investigation and rescue operation, the site has been sealed to preserve the evidence. The administration has also urged the citizens and onlookers to refrain from approaching the crash site.

Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay said in a public statement, “We are grateful to all local residents and volunteers who assisted in immediate rescue operations. However, over the past two days, the crash site has been cordoned off to allow investigators to collect critical evidence. We request everyone to stay away from the area to avoid any disruption in the investigation process."

The administrative statement comes as curious onlookers have swarmed in from Mehsana, Patan, Bharuch-not to help, but to see the crash site. Rooftops in the densely packed Meghaninagar neighborhood have turned into makeshift viewing galleries, resembling rural fairgrounds. Locals say their homes are being invaded by strangers pleading for access to terraces, verandas, even windows-all for one perfect photo of the debris.

The movement of civilians in the area could compromise with forensic and aviation-related findings being gathered by Indian and international teams.

Quoting the DGP’s message, Minister Harsh Sanghavi posted on social media platform X, “Items recovered from the crash site will be carefully documented and returned to the families of the deceased. Our teams are working meticulously to identify and safeguard these personal effects."

He also also stressed that the government is aware with the emotional sentiments attached to the belongings and is committed to returning them “as soon as possible".

The death toll in the crash has climbed to 271-the 241 passengers and crew on the plane and the remaining people on the ground, mostly in the hostel building.

Authorities have matched 47 DNA samples from the Ahmedabad plane crash site so far, with 44 families contacted and 24 bodies handed over to relatives. Officials said 22 death certificates have already been issued.

However, the total death toll remains uncertain, as officials caution that DNA work is still ongoing.

Location :

Gujarat, India, India

First Published:

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