The aftermath of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has been compounded by scenes of chaos as large crowds flocked to the crash site, prompting a senior police official to appeal for restraint. The crash, involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London, occurred shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12, 2025, claiming the lives of 241 passengers and crew members, along with several people on the ground.
In the days following the disaster, the area surrounding the crash site at the BJ Medical College hostel building in Meghani Nagar has become a magnet for onlookers. Reports indicate that people from across Ahmedabad have been thronging to the area, some traveling from considerable distances, to witness the scene firsthand. Many were seen taking selfies and recording videos, transforming the site of immense tragedy into a morbid tourist attraction.
The presence of these large crowds has significantly hampered rescue and investigation efforts. Authorities are still working to recover bodies and gather crucial technical data, including the voice and data recorders, essential for determining the cause of the crash. The sheer number of people present makes it difficult for emergency services and investigators to navigate the area efficiently.
The situation has prompted a strong response from law enforcement. Police personnel have been deployed at multiple points to manage the crowds, but their efforts have been met with resistance. One police officer noted the difficulty in controlling the situation, particularly with many young people present, stating that using force was not a viable option. Despite the challenges, authorities are urging the public to stay away from the crash site to allow investigators to carry out their work unimpeded and to maintain respect for the victims and their families.
The phenomenon of "disaster tourism" is not new, but it raises serious ethical concerns, especially in the immediate aftermath of such a devastating event. Residents living near the crash site have also expressed their frustration. One resident, whose house offers an unobstructed view of the crash site, has had to lock their terrace to prevent people from entering and taking pictures.
The crash has had a widespread impact, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the site and meeting with the injured. DNA testing is underway to identify the victims, many of whom were severely burned in the crash. As of Sunday, June 15, 2025, authorities had identified 32 victims through DNA testing, and the remains of 14 had been handed over to their families.
