Nearly a year after the Air India Flight AI-171 disaster in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Malik shared details of the extensive rescue and victim identification efforts following India’s deadliest aviation accident in decades. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, resulting in 260 fatalities, with only one survivor. Malik, who was informed of the crash while at home, described the scene as “extremely painful,” with rescue teams working amidst the wreckage.
Malik highlighted the swift response in ensuring the smooth movement of ambulances and fire tenders to the crash site. He mentioned the establishment of green corridors for emergency vehicles and the proactive arrangements made at Civil Hospital to handle the influx of casualties. The tragedy attracted visits from top political leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who all expressed solidarity with the victims’ families.
In anticipation of victims’ relatives arriving for identification, authorities expedited the process by deploying around 200 police personnel specialized in documentation work. DNA samples from the deceased and their families were collected for forensic analysis in laboratories in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. Malik noted that the first identified body was handed over to relatives within 20 hours of the crash, showcasing the efficiency of the identification procedures.
The coordinated efforts of various agencies, including police, municipal authorities, fire brigade, hospital staff, and forensic experts, were crucial in managing the aftermath of the tragic incident. The investigation into the crash, led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), revealed preliminary findings suggesting fuel starvation due to engine fuel control switches moving to the cut-off position. However, a final conclusion on the accident’s cause is pending as the inquiry progresses, with an interim report expected soon.
