How will the Ahmedabad plane crash victims be identified as families await answers amid tragic aftermath?

SECTIONS

ET OnlineLast Updated: Jun 12, 2025, 10:26:00 PM IST

Font Size

Save

Comment

Synopsis

In the wake of the Ahmedabad plane crash that killed hundreds, authorities have begun the complex process of identifying victims through DNA testing. With most bodies severely charred, standard identification methods are not viable. DNA samples are being collected from close family members at BJ Medical College’s Civil Hospital, where a special unit has been set up. Officials have urged relatives to come forward promptly to assist with the process. Only one survivor has been confirmed, while over 50 injured are being treated.

DNA sampling to confirm identities in Ahmedabad air tragedy

In the wake of the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, authorities are now focused on the grim task of identifying the deceased. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, en route to London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The massive scale of the tragedy has complicated identification efforts, requiring the use of DNA testing to determine the identities of the victims.

DNA Testing: A Crucial Step in Victim Identification

With bodies charred beyond recognition, officials have turned to DNA profiling as the primary method for confirming the identities of those who lost their lives. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed in the media briefing that DNA sampling is currently underway, and identification will only be finalized after this process is completed.

Dhananjay Dwivedi, Principal Secretary of Gujarat’s Health Department, stated that DNA testing is being conducted at BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad. Families of victims have been asked to submit DNA samples, particularly parents and children of those presumed dead. These samples are essential for comparison against tissue retrieved from the crash site.

Samples are being collected at Kasoti Bhavan of BJ Medical College, with special provisions made at Civil Hospital. To assist families, helpline numbers—6357373831 and 6357373841—have been issued for inquiries related to victims and those injured.

Scientific Process Behind DNA Matching

As per Nature.com, DNA identification works by comparing Short Tandem Repeats (STRs)—repeating sequences in DNA that differ among individuals. While most of the human genome is similar across people, these STR regions vary and allow scientists to distinguish individuals. In India, nine core STR loci are routinely used for forensic identification. By matching these regions between samples from crash victims and their relatives, forensic teams can accurately confirm identities.

Although this method is highly reliable, it is not instantaneous. Extracting viable DNA from remains and running comparative analyses can take days, especially in mass casualty situations. Moreover, the emotional toll on families awaiting confirmation adds another layer of urgency and sensitivity.

Scene of the Crash and Current Relief Measures

Visuals from the crash site showed the aircraft engulfed in smoke and flames, with debris scattered over residential quarters near the airport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly directed Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to oversee rescue efforts on the ground. According to officials, 50 people were injured in the crash, many from the Meghaninagar locality, and are being treated at Civil Hospital. All are reported to be in stable condition.

One passenger, Vishwaskumar Ramesh, miraculously survived. He was seated in 11A and was travelling with his brother. He is currently admitted in the trauma ward at the hospital.