“Don’t Open the Coffin…”: The Tragic Aftermath of the Ahmedabad Plane Crash

A devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad has left the entire nation of India in mourning. The tragedy not only claimed the lives of many, but also left behind a series of haunting stories and warnings for the families of the victims. One such message that resonated across media platforms was “मत खोलना ताबूत…”—a Hindi phrase meaning “Don’t open the coffin.” This phrase, shared by journalists like Ajit Anjum, reflects the grim reality faced by the families of those lost in the disaster.

The Crash: What Happened?

The Ahmedabad plane crash, which involved an Air India flight, occurred in a densely populated area near the airport. According to initial reports, the crash resulted in the deaths of dozens of passengers, including entire families. Among the victims was a doctor couple and their three young children, whose loss was widely reported and mourned across the country.

Rescue operations were launched immediately, but the devastation was immense. Many of the bodies recovered from the wreckage were severely burnt or mutilated, making identification difficult. Authorities had to rely on DNA testing to match the remains with missing persons, as visual identification was often impossible.

“Don’t Open the Coffin…”: The Meaning Behind the Message

In the aftermath of the crash, some families received a chilling request from authorities and airline officials: not to open the coffins of their loved ones. This advice was not only a matter of protocol but also a compassionate gesture, meant to spare families the trauma of seeing the condition of the remains. The force of the crash and subsequent fire left many bodies unrecognizable, and the sight would have been too traumatic for most to bear.

Journalist Ajit Anjum, among others, highlighted this message in his coverage, emphasizing the need for sensitivity in such tragic circumstances. The phrase “Don’t open the coffin” became symbolic of the pain and loss suffered by the victims’ families, as well as the grim reality of air disasters.

The Identification Process

With so many bodies badly damaged, authorities turned to DNA testing as the primary means of identification. This process, while accurate, is also time-consuming, adding to the anguish of waiting families. News reports confirmed that DNA samples from six victims had been successfully matched, allowing families to proceed with last rites in accordance with their faith and customs.

Public Response and Mourning

The crash triggered an outpouring of grief across India. Social media platforms were flooded with condolences and prayers for the victims. Public figures and celebrities also expressed their sorrow, and the story of the doctor couple and their children became a focal point for the nation’s collective mourning.

The tragedy also reignited debates about air safety in India, especially in cities where airports are surrounded by densely populated neighborhoods. Many called for stricter safety regulations and better urban planning to prevent such disasters in the future.

A Lasting Warning

The phrase “Don’t open the coffin” will likely remain etched in the memories of those affected by the Ahmedabad plane crash. It is a stark reminder of the harsh realities of air disasters and the lasting scars they leave on families and communities. As India mourns, the hope is that lessons will be learned to make air travel safer, and that the pain of this tragedy will not be forgotten.