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Key Points

SDRF officer Sheetal Gujar described the harrowing rescue efforts after the Air India crash in Ahmedabad. Rescue teams used oxygen masks and wet clothes to protect themselves while evacuating victims. The operation saw rapid ambulance deployment despite extreme heat and danger. Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was among the 241 fatalities in the tragic incident.

Key Points: SDRF Recounts Bravery in Ahmedabad Air India Crash Rescue

  • SDRF used oxygen masks in high-risk rescue
  • Wet cloths prevented burns while evacuating victims
  • 20-30 ambulances arrived within 30 minutes
  • Former CM Vijay Rupani among 241 killed
2 min read

Went inside with oxygen masks; tied hands with wet clothes to lift bodies: SDRF official on Air India crash

SDRF officer details heroic efforts using oxygen masks and wet clothes to save victims after the Air India crash in Ahmedabad.

"We tied our hands with wet clothes to lift their bodies. – Sheetal Gujar, SDRF-ASP"

Ahmedabad, June 16

As the investigation in the Ahmedabad Air India plane crash continues, Sheetal Gujar, SDRF-ASP and nodal officer for the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), highlighted the bravery of rescue personnel who entered the hostel building with oxygen masks, and tied wet cloths around their hands to evacuate the people burnt in the incident.

Speaking to ANI, the SDRF-ASP asserted that they received all the tools necessary to carry out the rescue operations.

"SDRF played a significant role in evacuating those trapped inside the building. We went inside with oxygen masks. The hands and feet of many got burned, but to rescue them, we tied our hands with wet clothes to lift their bodies. We received 20-30 extra ambulances within just half an hour," he said.

The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft crashed into a hostel complex shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, killing 241 passengers and crew, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

Gujar said that it was very risky for them to carry out the rescue operations at the time of impact, as the temperature at the spot was very high.

"At that time, it was very risky to go inside and carry out the rescue operations as the temperature was very high. The fire department made arrangements for our team to go inside the building. We evacuated the civilians and students inside the hostel. The injured were immediately rushed to the hospital...All the senior officials were in touch with us. We recovered the bodies of all the victims," the SDRF ASP said.

He further stated that ensuring the safety of citizens and preventing further damage remained the SDRF's top priority.

"70-80 per cent of the operations are carried out by the SDRF...We also aim to secure the area to make sure that further damage does not take place," Sheetal Gujar said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Salute to our brave SDRF personnel! 🇮🇳 They risked their lives to save others in such extreme conditions. This tragedy has shaken all of us, but their courage gives hope. Hope the investigation reveals what went wrong so such accidents can be prevented.
P
Priya M.
Heartbreaking news 😢 The details about rescuers using wet clothes to lift burned bodies shows how horrific the scene must have been. We need better safety protocols for buildings near airports. Why was a hostel allowed so close to the runway?
A
Amit S.
While I appreciate the rescue efforts, serious questions remain. How did a modern aircraft like Dreamliner crash immediately after takeoff? DGCA must conduct thorough investigation. Families deserve answers and proper compensation.
N
Neha P.
The quick response with 20-30 extra ambulances within 30 mins shows good coordination. But we need to invest more in disaster preparedness across all Indian cities. Jai Hind to our emergency teams! 🙏
S
Sanjay D.
This tragedy has left me numb. Former CM Rupani's death shows how unpredictable life is. Hope the government provides counseling to both survivors and rescue personnel who witnessed such trauma.
K
Kavita R.
The SDRF teams are real heroes! But we must also think about the hostel residents - many must be students living away from home. Their parents must be devastated. Need better urban planning around airports.

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