By The Sampadak Express
As the tragic crash of London-bound Air India flight AI 171 near Ahmedabad airport claimed the lives of 265 passengers and crew members, forensic experts have turned to advanced scientific methods to identify the victims, most of whom were charred beyond recognition.
Dr. Sudhir Gupta, Head of the Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Department at AIIMS, New Delhi, confirmed that DNA profiling remains the primary method for identifying the deceased. “When bodies are completely burnt, even bones may not survive. In such cases, DNA profiling is the most reliable option,” Dr. Gupta stated.
Forensic teams have started collecting teeth samples from the remains, which are being sent to high-security laboratories for examination. Forensic dentists will attempt to match these samples with pre-existing dental records provided by the families. According to Dr. Gupta, personal belongings also play a crucial role in identification. “In around 80 percent of burn cases, victims can be identified through their personal belongings,” he added.
Supporting this approach, forensic expert Adarsh Mishra explained that any remaining soft tissue or body parts would also be utilized for DNA profiling. These DNA profiles will then be cross-verified with passenger lists and family samples. Mishra estimated that the entire identification process could take 3-4 days, or potentially longer, depending on the condition of the remains. However, the involvement of multiple forensic teams may help expedite the process.
Mishra also noted that fingerprint databases, if available, could assist in confirming identities.
How DNA Profiling Works
DNA profiling involves analyzing unique regions of an individual’s genetic code, such as short tandem repeats (STRs), to create a genetic “fingerprint” that is exclusive to each person. This technique remains one of the most reliable methods of victim identification in mass fatality incidents.
Dr. Tamorish Kole, renowned health expert and former Chair of the Clinical Practice Committee at the International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM), emphasized that dental records can serve as a dependable identification tool, particularly when dental restorations or other distinct dental work remain intact post-crash.
NDMA Guidelines for Handling Mass Fatalities
According to India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), an aircraft crash is classified as a “closed disaster” since the list of passengers is fixed and available, making it relatively faster to gather comparative antemortem data.
The NDMA guidelines outline a structured procedure for managing the deceased, starting from the search and recovery phase to eventual handover of the bodies to family members. This process includes:
1. Transfer of remains to a mortuary.
2. Conducting forensic investigations, including fingerprinting and DNA profiling.
3. Coordinating with families for the final rites, keeping cultural and religious practices in mind.
The guidelines also emphasize that identifying unidentified bodies requires sophisticated investigation and the collaboration of a multi-disciplinary team. This includes search and rescue teams, medical professionals, forensic experts, police, administrative staff, psychologists, NGOs, international organizations, and community volunteers.
As the recovery and identification efforts continue in Ahmedabad, the expertise and coordination of multiple agencies remain crucial in bringing closure to the grieving families.
