DNA tests have identified 247 victims in the Air India accident so far. 232 bodies have been handed over to their families. The deceased include citizens of India, Britain, Portugal, and Canada.
Air India Crash: Following the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12th, DNA testing was employed to identify the deceased. To date, 247 victims have been identified through DNA matching. Of these, 232 bodies have been released to their families. A total of 270 people lost their lives in this accident; 241 passengers were aboard the plane, and the rest were on the hostel premises. Only one person survived the accident and is still undergoing treatment.
Major Accident After Takeoff
The plane was en route to London but crashed into a hostel complex in the Meghaninagar area just minutes after takeoff. The magnitude of the tragedy is evident in the fact that most of the passengers and several people on the ground died instantly. A large number of local administration officials, police, and medical personnel were deployed in the relief and rescue operations.
Confirmation of Filmmaker Mahesh Jiravala's Death
Ahmedabad resident and filmmaker Mahesh Jiravala also perished in the accident. According to the police, he was passing through the area on a two-wheeler at the time of the accident. His identification was confirmed not only through DNA testing but also through the engine number, chassis number of his burnt scooter, and CCTV footage from the accident site. His body has been handed over to his family.
Number of Countries Affected by the Accident
According to Medical Superintendent Dr. Rakesh Joshi, of the 247 DNA samples, 187 were Indian citizens. In addition, 52 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian citizen have been identified. The Indian citizens include people from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Diu, and Nagaland. This has become an international tragedy, claiming the lives of citizens from various countries.
Some Samples Did Not Match Immediately
Dr. Joshi informed that in eight cases, identification could not be made using previously collected DNA samples from relatives; therefore, samples from other close relatives have been requested. Priority is generally given to samples from the father, son, or daughter. If these are unavailable, a match is attempted using samples from siblings.
DNA Testing Process and Collaborating Institutions
DNA testing is a sensitive and scientific process that requires a high level of care and adherence to legal protocols. The Forensic Science University, the state government's health department, the district administration, and other expert agencies are working collaboratively on this task. This joint effort is being made to ensure the identification of the accident victims so that the bodies can be handed over to their families.
Emotions of Families with the Bodies
Deepak Pathak, a resident of Badlapur in Thane district, Maharashtra, and Irfan Sheikh, a resident of Pimpri Chinchwad in Pune, were handed over to their families after DNA matching. Both were laid to rest in an emotional atmosphere. Deepak had been working with a national airline for the past 11 years. His funeral was attended by thousands who stood by his family during this sorrowful time. Irfan's funeral was also attended by his friends, family, neighbors, and political representatives.
