Investigation into AI-171 Plane Crash Gains Momentum: High-Level Meeting at MoCA, 240 DNA Samples Collected. AAIB and NIA Teams Active. Aviation Safety Also Discussed.
Plane Crash: Following the Air India (AI-171) plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the central government has accelerated the investigation process. A high-level meeting was convened on Saturday at the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), chaired by Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu. Senior officials from the DGCA, MoCA, and AAI participated in this crucial meeting.
Sources indicate the meeting's primary objective was to review the progress of the AI-171 crash investigation. Officials assessed the evidence and information gathered so far and charted the course for the ensuing investigation. Reports from various agencies were also considered.
Discussion on Aviation Safety
Sources stated that the meeting's agenda extended beyond the immediate accident. It included a comprehensive discussion on safety within the civil aviation sector. Decisions are anticipated regarding strengthening the aviation safety ecosystem and enhancing air travel safety measures. This is considered crucial to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Gujarat Government's Proactive Role
At the state level, the investigation and identification process has also been expedited. Gujarat's Home Minister, Harsh Sanghavi, visited the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Gandhinagar. He reviewed the DNA testing process and obtained detailed information from officials. Senior officials, including the Home Department Secretary, IB IGP, and FSL Director, were present at this review meeting.
Minister Sanghavi stated that FSL teams are working around the clock, matching DNA samples to identify the deceased. 36 forensic experts from the Gujarat government are involved in this process, with central government experts providing assistance.
AAIB and NIA Teams Involved in the Investigation
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) team has also intensified its investigation. On Saturday morning, the AAIB team revisited the crash site. Official Sanjay Singh stated that this was the second day of the investigation and the team is diligently collecting facts.
Furthermore, a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) also arrived at the crash site on Saturday. Sources indicate that the NIA has assured the state government of all possible cooperation. As per Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), agencies like the NIA provide technical and expert assistance to the state government in such incidents. The NIA's presence is considered part of this process.
240 DNA Samples Collected So Far
The process of collecting DNA samples for identification of the bodies is ongoing at BJ Medical College, Ahmedabad. By Friday night, 224 samples had been collected, and 16 additional samples were collected on Saturday. A total of 240 DNA samples have been collected. This process is crucial for identifying the deceased, and the government is prioritizing it.
