The death toll in the catastrophic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad is feared to exceed 242, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah stating that an official count remains uncertain due to the need for DNA identification of victims.
Speaking at a press briefing after visiting the crash site and meeting the sole survivor, Shah said the Air India flight AI171 was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members when it went down shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was en route to London&rsquo;s Gatwick Airport.
Only one passenger survived the tragedy. Shah confirmed he had personally met the individual, who is currently undergoing treatment.
According to Ahmedabad Police, 204 bodies have been recovered so far. However, Shah emphasised that the final number can only be determined following forensic identification, given the condition of several victims.
The aircraft reportedly crashed into a civilian zone not far from the airport, causing widespread devastation and prompting an immediate suspension of airport operations for several hours.
Shah confirmed that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal inquiry into the incident. &ldquo;The actual cause of the crash will only be clear after a thorough investigation,&rdquo; he told reporters.
Air India released a passenger nationality breakdown, stating that out of the 242 on board, 169 were Indian citizens, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals.
Among those feared dead is senior BJP leader and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Gujarat BJP President and Union Minister C.R. Patil confirmed Rupani was on board, stating that he was travelling to London to visit his family. Patil described Rupani&rsquo;s death as a "great loss" to the party.
Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities are in the process of collecting DNA samples from relatives of the deceased to aid identification.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirms only one survivor from Air India AI171 tragedy

Ahmedabad Crash: Toll May Exceed 242, Amit Shah Briefs Media

Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirms only one survivor from Air India AI171 tragedy

June 12, 2025 | 22:16 IST