DNA analysis has confirmed the identities of 32 individuals who perished in the recent Air India plane crash, underscoring the urgent need for rigorous aviation safety reforms.
At a Glance
- A tragic Air India crash involved a Boeing 787 Dreamliner shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
- Of 241 people on board, 32 have been identified through DNA testing, while a total of 270 individuals, including ground casualties, perished.
- Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani died in the crash; DNA matching confirmed his identity.
- Investigations are led by India’s DGCA and AAIB, with American agencies’ assistance.
- Technical teams from Boeing and GE are analyzing potential aircraft malfunctions.
Details of the Crash
The Air India flight, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was en route to London when it crashed after taking off from Ahmedabad. Tragically, all 241 individuals on board lost their lives, along with 29 people on the ground. A total of 32 bodies have been identified through DNA testing, marking a critical step for the affected families to achieve closure.
Among those confirmed deceased is former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, whose identity was verified through DNA tests. Additionally, five medical students from BJ Medical College were among the casualties, highlighting the profound personal and professional losses experienced in this incident.
Investigative Measures
The aftermath of the crash prompted a thorough investigation led by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). They are supported by American agencies like the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Furthermore, technical teams dispatched by Boeing and GE are scrutinizing the potential contributions of mechanical issues to the crash.
“A special team has been allocated for each family of the deceased, The team includes a senior officer, a police official, and a professional counsellor to ensure that the handover process is conducted with dignity.” – Dr. Rajneesh Patel.
Evidence gathered includes the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder. Inspection of various flight settings is underway, such as engine thrust and landing gear positions, as investigators strive to determine the cause of this tragedy.
Safety Reforms and Support Initiatives
India’s Civil Aviation Ministry responded by ordering comprehensive inspections of all Boeing 787 aircraft in the nation to prevent future incidents. A high-level committee is also revisiting the country’s emergency preparedness and aircraft safety protocols as part of broader aviation safety reforms.
“Thirty two DNA samples have matched till now, and 14 bodies have already been handed over to the respective families. These deceased were from Udaipur, Vadodara, Kheda, Mehsana, Arvalli, Ahmedabad and Botad districts.” – Dr Rajnish Patel.
Efforts are also focused on supporting the families affected. Grief counselors are being assigned to each family to help cope with the mental trauma associated with such a devastating event. Authorities are ensuring that logistical concerns, like the issuance of death certificates and inheritance documentation, are handled swiftly to reduce additional burdens on bereaved families.
