In the agonizing aftermath of the Air India AI-171 plane crash in Ahmedabad, families of eight victims face renewed uncertainty as authorities have requested additional DNA samples. This development arises after initial attempts to match DNA from the first samples proved unsuccessful, prolonging the already painful wait for identification and closure. The accident, which occurred on June 12, 2025, involved a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London, claiming the lives of 241 of the 242 people on board and others on the ground after the aircraft crashed into a hostel.
The process of identifying the deceased has been a painstaking and emotionally charged endeavor. Forensic teams from the State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the National Forensic Sciences University have been working tirelessly, employing DNA profiling and matching techniques. As of June 20, 2025, DNA matches had been confirmed for 220 victims, and 202 bodies had been handed over to their families. Of these, 151 were Indian nationals, 34 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, one Canadian, and nine non-passengers.
However, the complexities of the crash site have presented significant challenges. The intense fire that erupted following the impact severely charred and fragmented the bodies, hindering easy recognition and complicating the DNA identification process. In some instances, the extreme heat may have degraded the genetic material, making it more difficult to obtain viable DNA samples. Furthermore, the crash site was strewn with debris, raising the possibility of contamination of DNA material with foreign substances. One incident highlighted the difficulties faced by forensic teams when two heads of different victims were found in a single body bag, necessitating a repeat of the 72-hour DNA testing procedure.
Identifying child victims has been particularly challenging. Of the 13 children aged 12 years and below on the flight, three were under the age of two. Forensic experts have been able to obtain only "partial" DNA profiles for some of the suspected minors, making accurate matching difficult. The bodies of minors have less tissue mass, resulting in greater tissue damage and exposure of long bones to heat. While teeth are generally more resilient to heat, the front teeth of children can be degraded in fire accidents, requiring DNA to be extracted from molars.
The request for additional DNA samples from the families of eight victims underscores the meticulousness and commitment to ensuring accurate identification. Matching DNA is crucial not only for providing closure to grieving families but also for legal and administrative purposes related to death certificates and inheritance. Authorities are prioritizing the dignity of the deceased and maintaining transparency with the victims' relatives throughout this sensitive process.
While the wait continues, authorities have assured the affected families of their unwavering support. Support has also come from the Tata Group, which re-acquired Air India in 2022, has announced an ex gratia payment of Rs one crore to the families of each of the deceased. In addition, Air India has immediately released an interim relief payout of Rs 25 lakh per family to cover urgent needs. The group will also cover all medical expenses for the injured.
