DNA and dental forensics key to identifying burnt bodies in Ahmedabad plane crash tragedy

In the aftermath of the devastating Air India Flight 171 crash, the process of identifying the charred remains of the victims has proven to be a daunting challenge for forensic teams. With the aircraft carrying over 1.25 lakh litres of aviation fuel, a massive explosion followed the crash, subjecting the victims' bodies to temperatures exceeding 1000°C. Only one passenger namely, Vishwas Ramesh Kumar reportedly survived, while the rest died in the intense blaze.

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The remains recovered from the site are severely burnt, making visual identification impossible. As a result, forensic teams have turned to advanced DNA testing and dental forensics to establish the identities of the deceased. More than 80 to 100 medical professionals, including forensic experts, have been deployed for this massive identification effort.

Relatives of the victims have been called in to provide DNA samples, including blood and hair, which are now being matched against the remains. Experts from BJ Medical College, where the DNA tests are underway, stated that it will take at least three days to complete the analysis. The 72-hour window is expected to conclude by tomorrow afternoon, raising hopes for the identification of victims by evening.

Given that human teeth can withstand temperatures up to 700-800°C, dental forensic specialists are also examining dental records as a supplementary method. So far, only the identities of medical students among the deceased have been confirmed.

Families of the victims continue to wait in anguish, hoping for closure as they anticipate the results of the forensic examinations.