Should You Stay Away from the Sealed Plane Crash Site? Guj DGP's Urgent Appeal

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Crash site sealed to protect evidence.
- Authorities urge public to stay away.
- Personal belongings to be returned to families.
- High-level investigations involving international teams.
- Support for displaced medical residents arranged.
Ahmedabad, June 15 (NationPress) Relief, rescue, and investigation operations are ongoing at the devastated scene in Ahmedabad after the Air India flight AI-171 crash. Authorities have completely sealed off the crash zone to protect evidence and ensure a comprehensive investigation.
The Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay has called on citizens and curious onlookers to avoid the crash site, while the state's Home Minister has reassured grieving families that personal effects retrieved from the wreckage will be returned with care.
In a public announcement, the Gujarat DGP stated: “We appreciate all local residents and volunteers who aided in the immediate rescue efforts. However, the crash site has been cordoned off for the last two days to allow investigators to gather essential evidence. We ask everyone to stay away to prevent any disruption to the investigation process.”
This appeal comes amidst fears that civilian presence near the crash zone could jeopardize forensic and aviation findings being collected by both Indian and international teams.
Sharing the DGP's message, Minister Harsh Sanghavi posted on social media platform X: “Items retrieved from the crash site will be meticulously documented and returned to the families of the deceased. Our teams are dedicated to identifying and protecting these personal belongings.”
He stressed that the government acknowledges the significant emotional value of these items and is committed to returning them “as soon as possible.”
Efforts are underway in collaboration with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India to streamline this sensitive process. With representatives from Boeing and American investigative agencies already present in Ahmedabad, the crash site has become a focal point for high-level activity.
Officials from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are leading the technical investigation, supported by state and central forensic and disaster management teams.
In the aftermath of the tragic Air India plane crash, hostels at B.J. Medical College that sustained structural damage are being vacated to facilitate the AAIB's official investigation.
Addressing the media, Dr. Minakshi Parikh, Dean of B.J. Medical College, stated: “All four Atulyam hostels have been vacated or are in the process of being cleared to provide full access for the AAIB team's investigation.”
She outlined the relocation plans for the affected medical residents. “We have arranged accommodation for all displaced postgraduate doctors. The 33 doctors from Atulyam-1 and five from UN Mehta Hospital have been moved to the postgraduate wings A, D, and B of the UN Mehta Hostel. From Atulyam-2 and 3, where 100 GCRI doctors were residing, 52 have been relocated to the previously unused old GCRI building, and 50 rooms have been leased for a year to house the remaining 48.”