By Priya Sharma, Aviation Safety Analyst
LinkedIn Profile: Priya Sharma
Ahmedabad, June 18, 2025
Key Developments
- Over 200 Victims Identified
Forensic teams, utilizing DNA matching and biometric data, have identified 202 of the 241 victims from the Air India Flight AI 171 crash—becoming one of India’s most intensive identification efforts in recent history. timesofindia.indiatimes.com - 124 Bodies Handed Over
To date, 124 remains have been respectfully returned to next of kin after completion of all legal and medical formalities. economictimes.indiatimes.com - One Survivor’s Plight
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor, continues rehabilitation at Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, and attended his brother’s funeral in Diu yesterday.
Expert Analysis
“The speed and precision of DNA processes here reflect global best practices in disaster victim identification,” says Dr. R. K. Menon, Professor of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Madras and former DGCA consultant.
“While tragic, this operation demonstrates India’s growing capacity in post-crash forensics and inter‑agency coordination.”
What Happens Next?
- Completion of Identifications
– Remaining 39 cases under expedited DNA profiling. - DGCA Interim Probe
– India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will publish its interim findings on the accident’s mechanical and procedural factors by month‑end. - Fleet Inspections
– All Boeing 787 Dreamliners in India will undergo enhanced safety audits, following modern aviation norms.
Fact-Check
| Claim | Reality |
|---|---|
| Crash caused by bird strike | No evidence; flight data shows thrust loss before impact, suggesting possible dual-engine anomaly. |
| AADAR data mismatch delaying IDs | Official sources confirm DNA remains the primary identification method, with AADAR serving only as a supplementary verification tool. |
| Compensation withheld until probe concludes | Air India/Tata Group has already disbursed interim relief of ₹1 crore per victim, plus ₹25 lakh additional payment. |
Daily Digest
- June 17, 2025: Black box recovered; DGCA orders fleet-wide checks.
- June 16, 2025: 150 NDRF & BSF personnel conclude debris clearance.
- June 15, 2025: 6 initial DNA matches; first 8 bodies handed to families.
- (Stay tuned for tomorrow’s update on survivor recovery and probe progress.)
