DNA Helps Identify Victims of Air India Crash -

On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck when Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner operating between Ahmedabad and London Gatwick, crashed into a hostel block just after take off from Ahmedabad Airport. The calamity claimed 241 lives on board and killed at least 39 people on the ground, leaving only one survivor.

The Scale of the Tragedy

With the aircraft tearing into a densely populated medical college hostel, many bodies were left charred and unrecognizable. The intense heat reportedly reaching around 1,500 °C rendered conventional identification methods like visual confirmation, dental records, and personal belongings ineffective.

Why DNA Was Essential

Given the condition of many remains, DNA profiling became the primary method for identification. Relatives of the victims were asked to submit DNA samples typically blood, saliva, or cheek swabs which were then compared to genetic material from the remains. Advanced forensic labs, including the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics founded in Hyderabad, were mobilized to process these samples.

On-the-Ground Effort in Ahmedabad

A dedicated DNA-testing facility was rapidly established at the B. J. Medical College mortuary in Ahmedabad. Medical and forensic experts worked around the clock, with helpline numbers made available to keep families informed. Civil Hospital’s forensic team matched around 251 bodies via DNA, out of which 245 were handed over to families as of June 23.

Human Stories Highlight the Toll

Crew member identification: Among those identified was 20‑year‑old Nganthoi Sharma, a cabin crew member from Manipur. Her family waited over a week in Ahmedabad before DNA confirmation arrived bringing both relief and grief.
Family closure after suspense: In one family, the remains of a mother and toddler were finally matched through DNA tests. Their son, a college canteen worker, described how hope slowly faded as DNA confirmed their deaths an agonizing confirmation .
Couple identified together: A married couple, identified as the 98th and 99th matches, underlined both the precision and painstaking pace of the process.

Challenges Encountered

Despite rapid deployment, the identification effort faced several challenges:

Degraded samples: Heat-damaged remains yielded weak DNA, making some matches difficult or inconclusive .
Time-consuming process: New matches slowed, with only five confirmed DNA matches reported between two days .
Sensitive handling: Eight bodies were released without DNA confirmation based on physical attributes seen as a compassionate but imperfect solution.

Lessons from Past Disasters

The use of DNA-based victim identification isn’t new in India. After the 2010 Air India Express crash in Mangalore, DNA profiling revealed several misidentifications and prompted calls for formalized DNA protocols. Authorities now emphasize that remains should be released only after positive lab confirmation, following standardized procedures.

Broader Systemic Improvements

This crash arrives on the heels of a broader push to enhance aviation safety in India:

First-ever national black box laboratory, inaugurated in April 2025, now supports accelerated technical investigations.
Strengthened DGCA protocols have improved coordination between crash site recovery and forensic analysis .

DNA-based identification, combined with these measures, is part of a more robust national framework for responding to aviation tragedies.

Why DNA Matters

Accuracy: DNA remains identifiable even in severely compromised remains.
Speed: Offers more reliable closure than visual/manual ID in mass disasters.
Standardization: Helps ensure that victims are not misidentified or released prematurely.

Conclusion

The harrowing crash of Flight 171 devastated hundreds of lives. Amid the chaos, DNA analysis emerged as a cornerstone of tragedy management bringing certainty to some, closure to many, and lessons for future emergencies. As 251 victims were forensically identified and 245 bodies returned to grieving families, DNA profiling not only provided names but also dignity and peace in the darkest hours . Moving ahead, the integration of dedicated disaster DNA protocols, black-box labs, and trained forensic teams strengthens India’s capacity to confront large-scale air disasters with both compassion and scientific rigor.

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