Urgent DNA Identification Efforts Underway After Air India Flight Crash
Forensic Teams Mobilized for Victim Identification
Gandhinagar, June 14: Following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, which resulted in the loss of 241 lives aboard the Boeing Dreamliner, forensic teams are working diligently to complete DNA identifications. The severity of the crash and the resulting fire have left many victims unrecognizable.
On Saturday, State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi informed the media that a high-level meeting was held at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar.
He stated, "A meeting took place at the FSL with senior officials to highlight the relentless efforts of Gujarat’s forensic scientists. They have been working continuously for the past two nights to accelerate DNA matching for the affected families."
Sanghavi also mentioned that the Central Government has intervened by sending a significant number of forensic specialists to aid in the ongoing identification efforts.
"Currently, 36 forensic experts from the Gujarat Government are involved in the identification process, alongside a substantial contingent from the Centre," he added.
The forensic teams are collaborating with police and hospital authorities to match DNA samples from families of the missing or deceased passengers, as well as individuals on the ground.
Officials emphasize that this process is vital for ensuring a respectful and accurate return of bodies to their families.
The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which was en route to Gatwick Airport in London from Ahmedabad, crashed on June 12, just two minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
The aircraft departed at 1:38 PM and lost altitude shortly after, crashing into the Atulyam building, which contained a medical college hostel in the Meghani Nagar area. The flight was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members.
In addition to the passengers, numerous individuals on the ground are also feared to have lost their lives due to the incident.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Rupani, son of former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, arrived in Gandhinagar from the United States on Saturday, while his wife, Anjali Rupani, returned from London on Friday on a special chartered flight.
Senior leaders from the BJP, including Health Minister Rushikesh Patel and Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, have been visiting the Rupani family’s residence in Gandhinagar to express their condolences.
As per party sources, the last rites for the late leader are set to take place in his hometown of Rajkot.