Ahmedabad: Four days after the tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171 en route from Ahmedabad to London, authorities have identified 144 victims through DNA testing, Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi confirmed on Tuesday.
The identification process is being spearheaded by a joint team from the State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the National Forensic Sciences University.
Officials described the operation as emotionally charged, with each identification bringing a step closer to closure for grieving families.
“This is more than a technical task—it is a deeply human responsibility. Every match provides solace to families waiting in distress,” said an official involved in the forensic operations.
At the crash site in Meghaninagar, emergency response teams continue recovery efforts, meticulously combing through the wreckage for remains and personal belongings.
Authorities assured that the dignity of the deceased and transparent communication with families remain their top priorities.
Tata Group, which regained ownership of Air India in 2022, announced financial relief measures for the victims’ families.
Each family of the deceased will receive Rs. 1 crore as ex gratia compensation, in addition to an interim relief payout of Rs. 25 lakh per family to address immediate needs.
The lone survivor of the crash will also receive this relief.
Air India further pledged to cover all medical expenses for the injured and committed to rebuilding a hostel at BJ Medical College that was damaged during the crash.
Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed profound grief, calling the incident “one of the darkest days in the company’s history.”
As of June 17, the recovery operation involves a robust team of over 300 firefighters supported by 60 fire vehicles and 20 water tankers, with contributions from Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, ONGC, and other agencies.
Despite smouldering debris at the crash site, search teams remain relentless in their efforts.
Personnel from the NDRF, CRPF, Indian Army, CISF, BSF, and Western Railway Disaster Management are systematically searching the area for remains and missing belongings.
Specialised sniffer dogs are aiding the recovery of human remains, while Ahmedabad Police have deployed animal rescue units to manage stray dogs near the site, following disturbing reports of scavenging.
The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the events leading to one of India’s most devastating aviation disasters in recent years.
