Grim Uncertainty Surrounds Ahmedabad Plane Crash, Says NDRF Official Hariom Gandhi

Ahmedabad, June 13 – In the wake of the devastating Ahmedabad plane crash, uncertainty looms over the scale of casualties as rescue efforts continue at the disaster site. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) official Hariom Gandhi stated on Thursday morning that no official numbers can be confirmed until the crash site is entirely cleared.

The Air India aircraft, carrying both Indian and foreign nationals, crashed during an attempted landing at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The crash, which occurred on June 12, left large portions of the aircraft severely damaged and triggered a high-intensity rescue operation involving local authorities, emergency responders, and multiple NDRF teams.

NDRF: Safety First, Numbers Later

Hariom Gandhi, leading the NDRF team on ground, addressed the media near the crash site with a sober message. “We cannot give any numbers until the site is completely cleared. Safety of our teams and thorough inspection are our immediate priorities,” he said. The focus remains on locating survivors, if any, and ensuring the wreckage is safely examined before issuing a formal statement on casualties or injuries.

The Ahmedabad plane crash has sparked national concern, especially considering reports that the aircraft was carrying at least 230 passengers, including nationals from India, the UK, Canada, and Portugal. Emergency teams are working around the clock in challenging weather and debris conditions.

Airport Operations Halted, Investigations Begin

The crash has rendered Ahmedabad airport temporarily unoperational, with all inbound and outbound flights suspended. Aviation authorities, alongside the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), have launched a formal investigation into what led to this tragic incident. Preliminary reports suggest mechanical failure or adverse weather could have played a role, but officials have withheld comments pending a full analysis.

Public Reaction and Rising Tensions

News of the Ahmedabad plane crash has triggered a wave of shock and anxiety among the general public and the families of those onboard. Several emergency hotlines have been set up, and authorities are coordinating with international consulates to support families of foreign nationals involved.

Meanwhile, social media is abuzz with hashtags like #AhmedabadCrash and #AirIndiaTragedy, with many netizens demanding greater transparency and accountability in Indian aviation safety protocols.

Government and Airline Response

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Air India have issued brief statements expressing condolences while assuring complete cooperation with rescue and investigative authorities. A high-level team has been dispatched to Ahmedabad, and Air India CEO Campbell Wilson was seen visiting the crash site earlier today to assess the situation firsthand.

“We are doing everything in our power to support affected families and cooperate fully with the authorities,” said an Air India spokesperson.

What Lies Ahead

As the Ahmedabad plane crash site remains a zone of active recovery and assessment, families and the nation await confirmation of the actual toll. The NDRF’s cautious stance signals that the situation is still evolving and may take days before the full scope is revealed.

Until then, the city of Ahmedabad remains in mourning — its airport quiet, skies tense, and its people waiting for answers.

Conclusion

The Ahmedabad plane crash is shaping up to be one of the most tragic aviation incidents in recent Indian memory. With ongoing rescue operations and a commitment from the NDRF and other authorities to prioritize safety, the country watches as every update trickles in with cautious hope.