Identification Efforts Intensify Following Air India Flight AI-171 Tragedy
Ongoing Recovery Operations in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, June 17: Four days post the tragic incident involving Air India flight AI-171, which was traveling from Ahmedabad to London, authorities have confirmed that 144 DNA samples have been matched successfully as of Tuesday afternoon, as stated by Harsh Sanghavi, Gujarat's Minister of State for Home.
A dedicated team from the State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the National Forensic Sciences University is leading the identification efforts, working tirelessly to provide answers to the affected families.
According to a forensic unit official, "This process is incredibly sensitive and emotional. Each match signifies not just a technical achievement but also a step towards providing closure for families enduring immense pain."
Emergency response teams are still present at the crash site in Meghaninagar, where they are diligently recovering personal items and body fragments from the wreckage.
Officials have assured that every effort is being made to respect the dignity of the deceased while maintaining open communication with the victims’ families.
The Tata Group, which regained ownership of Air India in 2022, has announced a compensation of Rs one crore for each family affected by the AI-171 crash near Ahmedabad. Additionally, Air India has provided an immediate interim relief of Rs 25 lakh per family, including the sole survivor, to address urgent needs.
The group has also committed to covering all medical expenses for the injured and has pledged financial assistance for the reconstruction of a damaged hostel at BJ Medical College. Chairman N. Chandrasekaran referred to this incident as “one of the darkest days in the Tata Group’s history.”
As of June 17, the rescue and recovery operations at the crash site remain intense and well-coordinated. Over 300 firefighters, along with 60 fire vehicles and 20 water bowsers from Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, ONGC, and other nearby agencies, are actively clearing debris and extinguishing lingering fires.
On-site, three teams from the NDRF, 150 officers from the CRPF, personnel from the Indian Army, and teams from the CISF, BSF, and Western Railway Disaster Management are systematically searching for remains and personal belongings.
Specialized sniffer dogs are assisting in locating human remains, while the Ahmedabad Police have deployed animal rescue teams to safely relocate stray dogs that have been scavenging at the crash site.