“Only one survivor from 241 on board – DNA process crucial for closure,” says Civil Hospital Official
Ahmedabad: In the wake of India’s most devastating aviation tragedy in recent times, a glimmer of progress has emerged as DNA matching confirms the identities of 11 victims of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash that claimed 241 lives on June 12.
The ill-fated flight, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. While 241 perished, miraculously, one passenger survived — a rare exception in the face of overwhelming loss.
“So far, DNA samples of 11 deceased have matched. The body of one has been handed over to the family, and two more handovers are expected today,” confirmed Dr. Rajnish Patel, Additional Medical Superintendent of the Civil Hospital.
A Painstaking But Necessary Process
The tragedy has left the bodies charred beyond recognition, making DNA profiling the only reliable means of identifying victims. While the process is slow and delicate, it is vital for giving closure to grieving families.
“We recovered another body today from the back of the aircraft. The only survivor is healthy and recovering, but DNA identification must be handled with utmost care,” said Dr. Patel.
A high-level investigative committee has been constituted by the government, while state authorities have prioritized DNA matching. Gujarat Minister of State Harsh Sanghvi held an emergency meeting with FSL officials in Gandhinagar to accelerate the identification process.
“Matching DNA samples quickly is our top priority. Experts from across Gujarat and from central agencies are working around the clock. We will send results immediately to Civil Hospital once ready,” stated Minister Sanghvi after the meeting.
How the Bodies Are Identified and Handed Over
The DNA profiling process begins at the Civil Hospital, where relatives of victims provide samples. These are then sent to Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs) in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. The police are coordinating the collection of samples and guiding families through this painful journey.
“Till Friday, relatives of around 220 deceased have approached us to provide their DNA samples,” informed Police Inspector Chirag Gosai.
“Once matched, families will be informed and bodies will be released from the postmortem room,” he added.
The Civil Hospital has received results for six matches so far. One body has been collected today, while another will be handed over on Sunday morning.
Nation Mourns, Families Wait in Agony
The crash has plunged hundreds of families into mourning, waiting for the final confirmation of identity to perform last rites. With 241 fatalities and the scale of the tragedy, forensic teams are stretched to their limits, yet pressing forward with determination.
“This is not just science; this is humanity’s duty. Every DNA match brings a grieving family a step closer to closure,” said a senior FSL official.
As the only survivor recovers, India watches with bated breath, hoping that each body is returned to its family with dignity, even amidst the horror of the crash.
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