KKN Gurugram Desk | The identification process of victims from the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad has begun through DNA testing, as many of the bodies were severely burned or disfigured. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi confirmed that the DNA match has been completed for 19 victims so far.

The crash, which occurred on Thursday shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, involved Flight AI171 bound for London and resulted in 241 fatalities out of 242 people on board. The sole survivor, Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, remains in stable condition.

DNA Testing Underway for Victim Identification

The tragic scale of the Ahmedabad air crash has made visual identification of most victims nearly impossible. As a result, Gujarat’s State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) have initiated a massive operation to identify the deceased through DNA profiling.

In a post shared on social media late Saturday night, Minister Harsh Sanghvi stated:

“As of 9 PM, DNA match has been completed for 19 victims. The forensic teams are working overnight to expedite the identification process.”

Due to the intense fire and impact at the crash site, many of the victims’ bodies were either charred beyond recognition or mutilated. The identification effort is being conducted with utmost care and scientific precision, considering both legal and medical implications.

 Teams Working Overnight for Identification

Teams from the FSL, in coordination with central forensic experts sent by the Government of India, are working around the clock. The aim is to provide accurate DNA matches so that families can be informed and the bodies of their loved ones can be respectfully returned.

Dr. Rajneesh Patel, Professor of Surgery at B.J. Medical College, informed the media that one body was handed over to the family on Saturday, with two more expected to be released by day’s end. The rest will follow as identification is confirmed.

 8 Victims Identified Without DNA Testing

Minister Sanghvi also revealed that 8 victims had been identified by their families without requiring DNA analysis and their bodies have already been handed over. However, he urged families not to rush to the hospital, emphasizing:

“Civil hospital will contact the families directly once identification is confirmed.”

This approach is being followed to maintain order and avoid emotional distress at the hospital.

 Crash Victims from 18 Districts of Gujarat, 11 Foreign Nationals Confirmed Dead

According to Gujarat Relief Commissioner and Revenue Secretary Alok Pandey, victims of the crash belonged to 18 different districts across Gujarat. He added that the state government has formed 230 coordination teams to assist affected families.

Additionally, authorities have made contact with the families of 11 foreign nationals who died in the crash, ensuring that international protocols and diplomatic communications are being followed.

 Special Meeting to Accelerate DNA Matching

To accelerate the identification process, Harsh Sanghvi held a high-level meeting with officials from the State Forensic Laboratory on Saturday. He confirmed that forensic experts from both the state and central government are operating in multiple shifts to match DNA samples as quickly and accurately as possible.

“Results are sent directly to the Civil Hospital as soon as DNA matches are verified, allowing handover of bodies to the respective families,” Sanghvi said.

 220 Families Have Submitted DNA Samples

According to Inspector Chirag Gosai, who is overseeing postmortem coordination, approximately 220 families have already submitted their DNA samples. These samples have been sent to B.J. Medical College for matching with those collected from the victims’ remains.

Families of the deceased have been cooperating fully with law enforcement and forensic teams, although grief and frustration are mounting due to delays and the emotional toll of the tragedy.

 Scale of the Tragedy: 270 Bodies Brought to Hospital So Far

Despite only 242 individuals being onboard the ill-fated flight, around 270 bodies or body parts have been brought to the hospital due to the massive scale of destruction and fragmentation of remains.

Dr. Rajneesh Patel noted that many victims were burned beyond recognition, contributing to the complexity of the recovery and identification efforts.

“It’s one of the most catastrophic air disasters in Indian civil aviation history,” Dr. Patel said.

Survivor Vishwas Kumar Ramesh Stable, Few Injured Remain Hospitalized

The sole survivor of the crash, Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, is reported to be in stable condition. He was admitted with serious injuries but has now been declared out of danger by doctors. Most other injured persons have been discharged, with only one or two still under close observation due to serious injuries.

 How the Crash Happened: A Recap

The Air India Flight AI171, which took off from Ahmedabad to London, crashed moments after takeoff on Thursday afternoon. The aircraft went down in the hostel complex of B.J. Medical College, causing a massive explosion and fire.

Initial reports suggest a technical failure may have occurred, although a detailed investigation by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is currently underway. Black box recovery and analysis are in progress.

 Legal and Medical Sensitivities in DNA Identification

Minister Harsh Sanghvi stressed the importance of caution and accuracy in DNA testing, citing legal and medical obligations:

“This process must not be rushed. A single mistake can lead to legal complications and immense trauma for the families.”

The government is also preparing psychological counseling and grief support services for the families who have lost loved ones in the tragedy.

The Ahmedabad plane crash has left an indelible mark on Gujarat and the nation. As the DNA identification process progresses, the priority remains on accuracy, dignity, and speed, ensuring that the victims’ families receive closure and support in this time of unimaginable grief.

The government’s coordinated response, led by Harsh Sanghvi and medical and forensic teams, reflects the urgency and seriousness of the situation. As the official death toll stabilizes and more identifications are confirmed, the focus will shift to long-term accountability and safety reforms in Indian aviation.