Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 16: In the wake of the tragic Air India Flight crash in Ahmedabad, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Gujarat, has initiated an extensive DNA identification process after traditional methods of identification were rendered impossible due to the intense heat from the post-crash blaze.
Addressing the media on Saturday, Shri H.P. Sanghvi, Director of the FSL, highlighted the critical role of forensic science in identifying the victims. “The flame was of very high temperature, and because of that, identification of the deceased through standard methods was not possible. Hence, DNA examination became necessary,” Sanghvi said. He noted that the extreme heat had damaged DNA in various parts of the victims’ bodies, requiring highly meticulous collection of viable samples during postmortem.
All DNA samples, including those collected from both the victims and their relatives, have been submitted to the laboratory. Despite the complexity of the process, Sanghvi confirmed that DNA profiles have been generated. Each sample requires 36 to 48 hours for processing, but batch-wise operations have accelerated the identification efforts. Profile matching has already begun, and results are now emerging.
A team of 36 DNA experts at the Gujarat FSL, in close collaboration with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), is working around the clock to match profiles and assist authorities in handing over remains to grieving families. “Doctors and police agencies are prioritising the identification and return of remains to relatives. Our forensic teams are fully dedicated to this mission,” Sanghvi stated.
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, who visited the crash site, expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. He confirmed that the high temperature, caused by the burning of approximately 1.25 lakh litres of aviation fuel, made survival impossible. “There was no chance of saving anyone. The exact number of fatalities will be officially released after DNA tests are complete,” Shah said.
The tragedy struck on Thursday, when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft crashed into the doctors’ hostel at B.J. Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad. Of the 242 people on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, 241 lost their lives. One survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh—a British national of Indian origin—is currently undergoing treatment.
Authorities urge the public and the media to exercise patience during this sensitive and complex identification process.
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