Tragic Air India Flight AI-171 Crash: DNA Identification Progress and Recovery Efforts

Update on Air India Flight AI-171 Tragedy

Ahmedabad: In the aftermath of the tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash that occurred while traveling from Ahmedabad to London, authorities have reported that as of Tuesday noon, 144 DNA samples have been successfully matched, as stated by Gujarat's Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi.

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 families affected by this tragedy.

An official from the forensic unit emphasized, “This is a deeply sensitive and emotional undertaking. Each match signifies not just a technical confirmation but also a step towards providing closure for families enduring immense grief.”

Emergency response teams remain on-site at the crash location in Meghaninagar, where they continue to recover 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 transparent communication with the families of the victims.

The Tata Group, which regained ownership of Air India in 2022, has announced a compensation of Rs one crore for each family of the deceased from the AI-171 crash. Additionally, Air India has provided an immediate interim relief of Rs 25 lakh per family and to 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 vigorous and well-coordinated. More than 300 firefighters, supported by 60 fire vehicles and 20 water bowsers from Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, ONGC, and other nearby agencies, are actively clearing debris and extinguishing any remaining fires.

On the ground, three teams from the NDRF, along with 150 CRPF officers, Indian Army personnel, 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 responded to concerning reports by deploying animal rescue teams to safely relocate stray dogs that have been scavenging at the crash site.