Following the Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s forensic experts and central teams are racing to complete DNA identification of victims. With 241 lives lost, authorities are working day and night to provide closure to families through accurate identification and dignified handover of remains.
the crash of Air India Flight AI-171, a massive forensic operation is underway in Gujarat to identify the remains of the victims. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, en route to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, claiming the lives of 241 passengers and crew members.
The crash, which occurred on June 12 at around 1:40 PM, devastated the Meghani Nagar area, where the aircraft collided with the Atulyam building—a structure housing a medical college hostel. In addition to the passengers and 12 crew members onboard, casualties are also feared among people on the ground, adding further complexity to the identification process.
Due to the intensity of the crash and the resulting fire, many of the victims were left unrecognizable, prompting an urgent and meticulous DNA identification process. State and central authorities are coordinating to ensure that the remains are returned to grieving families with dignity and accuracy.
Round-the-Clock Effort by Forensic Teams
State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi addressed the media on Saturday, highlighting the relentless efforts of Gujarat’s forensic teams. “A high-level meeting was held at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar. Our forensic scientists have not slept for the past two nights. They are working day and night to expedite DNA matching for the grieving families,” Sanghavi said.
He emphasized that 36 forensic experts from Gujarat have been deployed to handle the massive task. Additionally, a large number of forensic professionals have been sent by the Central Government to support the ongoing efforts. These teams are working closely with police and hospital authorities to match DNA samples provided by the victims’ families with remains recovered from the crash site.
Officials say this process is crucial for ensuring the dignified handover of bodies and preventing any errors in identification, which is especially sensitive in a tragedy of this scale.
Scene of Devastation
According to flight data, the aircraft took off at 1:38 PM and lost altitude within two minutes, crashing into the densely populated Meghani Nagar neighborhood. The impact caused a massive fire, further complicating rescue and recovery operations.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror and chaos, as emergency responders rushed to control the blaze and recover the charred remains. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state fire services, and medical teams have been on-site since the incident, providing support and conducting recovery efforts.
Families in Mourning
Among those mourning is the family of late BJP leader Vijay Rupani. His son, Rishabh Rupani, returned from the United States on Saturday, while his wife, Anjali Rupani, flew back from London on Friday via a specially arranged chartered flight.
Senior BJP leaders, including Union Minister Parshottam Rupala and Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, have been visiting the family residence in Gandhinagar to offer condolences. Party sources have confirmed that the last rites of the former Chief Minister will be conducted in his hometown, Rajkot.
Government Response and Support
In response to the scale of the disaster, both state and central authorities have committed to ensuring swift and transparent investigation, and full support to affected families. The Gujarat Government has set up special help desks, psychological counselling centers, and a crisis management team to assist families during this period of profound grief.
Central aviation and transport officials are also expected to arrive in Ahmedabad for a detailed inspection and briefing. Preliminary reports indicate a possible technical malfunction, but a full probe is underway by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
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While mourning continues across Gujarat and India, the focus remains on identifying the deceased and delivering closure to the families. The state’s forensic teams are working against the clock, knowing that each identification is a step toward dignity and healing.
The AI-171 tragedy has left an indelible scar on the community, and the weeks ahead will see continued efforts not only in forensic labs but also in policy discussions around air safety, emergency preparedness, and crisis management.
