Ahmedabad: The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad has turned into one of the most devastating aviation disasters in India. Flight AI-171, bound for London, crashed shortly after take-off on 12 June, killing 241 of the 242 people on board. The tragedy has left families shattered and efforts are underway to identify the deceased through DNA testing.
According to officials, 270 bodies have been recovered from the site, but most of them are unrecognizable due to burns and injuries. DNA testing is being conducted at BJ Medical College and Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Blood and saliva samples are being collected from family members.
DNA testing to identify burnt bodies
So far, DNA of 9 deceased passengers has been matched, and their bodies have been handed over to their families. The process is expected to take 7 to 10 days.
On Saturday, another body was recovered from the debris and sent to the civil hospital for DNA analysis. More than 240 DNA samples from relatives have been collected. Families are being notified through mobile phones once the DNA result matches, and they have been instructed to bring ID proof to claim the bodies.
Black box recovered
The crash site investigation is progressing rapidly. The black box, which includes the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, has been recovered. Preliminary information suggests that the pilot had sent a mayday call soon after take-off. The pilot reportedly informed the ATC that the aircraft’s thruster was not working, and the plane was descending rapidly. There was no time for any further communication.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has taken charge of the probe. An 11-member high-level investigation committee has been formed. The team includes aviation experts, DGCA officials, and technical advisors. The committee has been directed to submit a preliminary report within 30 days.
Investigation involves India, UK and US teams
Agencies from India, the United States, and the United Kingdom are involved in the joint investigation. Since the aircraft was a Boeing model, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is part of the probe. British citizens were also on board, so the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is investigating on their behalf. DGCA and India’s AAIB will lead the overall investigation, as the incident occurred in Indian territory.
Following the crash, DGCA has instructed all airlines to inspect Dreamliner aircraft in their fleets, particularly looking for issues that may occur in the first five minutes after take-off. Airlines have also been told to monitor engine performance, flight control systems, and take-off parameters.
Compensation announced for victims’ families
At Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, the situation remains emotionally intense. Families are waiting, many with tearful eyes, for any news of identification. The condition of most bodies has made the process slow. DNA testing teams are working round the clock. Post-mortem DNA samples were collected from each body to speed up identification.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has assured full support to the families of the victims. He mentioned that Air India and the Gujarat government are coordinating to ensure the process of identification and support is timely and sensitive. He added that DNA testing is the most reliable method in this tragic situation.
Lone survivor of plane crash
Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson released a video message offering condolences. He announced an interim financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh (around 21,000 British pounds) for the families of the deceased and the survivor. Tata Group, which owns Air India, had earlier announced Rs 1 crore compensation for each deceased.
The lone survivor, British national Vishwakumar Ramesh, is undergoing treatment at a hospital. At least eight residents of the Ahmedabad locality where the aircraft crashed also lost their lives. Among the dead were 169 Indian citizens, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese citizens, and 1 Canadian.
