Ahmedabad Plane Crash: SDRF-ASP Reveals How Rescuers Entered Fire with Wet Cloths to Lift Bodies

In a heart-wrenching tragedy, India is mourning the Air India plane crash that took place on June 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad, resulting in the death of 241 people onboard. While investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash, heart-rending visuals and stories have emerged from the rescue site.

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been widely praised for their courage in evacuating trapped victims amidst hazardous conditions. Simultaneously, families of the victims are still anxiously waiting for DNA identification to claim their loved ones’ remains.

Here’s a detailed look at the real updates so far.

Brave SDRF Personnel Carried Out Rescue Operations Amid Flames

One of the major highlights of the post-crash developments has been the bravery displayed by the SDRF teams. Sheetal Gujar, SDRF-ASP and nodal officer, revealed that rescue personnel went inside the crash-hit building wearing oxygen masks. To protect their hands from burns, they wrapped wet cloths around their limbs and worked tirelessly to evacuate those caught in the deadly blaze.

“SDRF played a significant role in evacuating those trapped inside the building. Many of our team members suffered burns, but we tied our hands with wet cloths to lift the burned bodies,” Sheetal Gujar told ANI.

Rescue efforts were extremely dangerous due to the intense heat inside the building. 20 to 30 additional ambulances were arranged within half an hour to rush injured victims to nearby hospitals.

Despite the challenges, the SDRF managed to rescue several students and civilians who were trapped in the adjoining hostel buildings, further preventing casualties.

Victim Identification Progress: 80 Bodies Identified via DNA Testing

Given the scale of destruction and the intensity of the fire, DNA matching has become the primary method of identifying the bodies. Officials have confirmed that 80 victims have been positively identified so far.

Among those confirmed dead is former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, making this tragedy a national loss.

Out of the identified victims, 33 bodies have been handed over to grieving families. However, many relatives continue to wait for official confirmation of their loved ones.

Grieving Families Speak Out: “We Need Answers”

For the families of the deceased, the pain is unimaginable. Speaking to AFP, Rinal Christian, a 23-year-old relative of a passenger onboard, said,

“They said it would take 48 hours. But it’s been four days, and we haven’t received any response.”

The delays in the identification process have sparked frustration and helplessness among family members. Ali, another relative awaiting DNA confirmation, said,

“I’m disappointed in them. It is their duty. Next step is to find out the reason for this accident. We need to know.”

Many families have also expressed concern over the lack of official updates and demanded a transparent investigation to find the exact reason for the tragic crash.

Investigation Underway: What Caused the Crash?

While the immediate focus remains on rescue, recovery, and identification, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the crash.

Preliminary reports suggest that a technical malfunction might have contributed, but official confirmation is awaited. Aviation experts have also pointed to possible human error or weather-related factors as potential contributors.

SDRF’s Next Steps: Securing the Area

According to SDRF-ASP Sheetal Gujar, the team is also working to secure the crash site to ensure that no further damage occurs. Around 70 to 80 percent of the operations have already been completed, with coordination continuing between SDRF, the Fire Department, and senior administration officials.

विश्व सी टर्टल डे 2025: समुद्री कछुओं की सुरक्षा का संकल्प