Ahmedabad, Gujarat — In response to the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, the Gujarat government has set up DNA testing facilities at BJ Medical College. This initiative aims to help identify the victims of the Air India flight that met with an accident near the city’s airport. Family members of the deceased are being urged to provide DNA samples to assist in identification.
The crash involved Air India flight AI171, which was carrying 242 passengers and crew members from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. Sadly, many bodies were charred beyond recognition. To facilitate the identification process, family members, especially parents and children of the victims, have been coming to the college to give blood samples.
On Thursday night, families from different parts of Gujarat and even as far away as Maharashtra and Manipur arrived at the BJ Medical College. Many were in distress, waiting to provide their DNA to help identify their loved ones. One family member, Santosh Nair, shared his concern for his sister-in-law, Shraddha Dhawan, who was on the flight. He expressed hope as he waited for updates.
The blood samples collected at Kasauti Bhavan, the designated examination hall, will be sent to the forensic lab in Gandhinagar for analysis. A senior government official stated that around 200 samples had already been collected by early Friday morning. The results are expected within 72 hours, which has left some families anxious.
Counselling services have been made available at the sample collection site to support grieving family members. Many were seen in tears, struggling to cope with the loss. The Civil Hospital has also set up a help desk to assist families and verify who has submitted samples.
The identification process is crucial because the bodies of passengers and crew members, as well as some people near the crash site, were severely burned. The forensic reports will match the DNA from the victims and their relatives, helping to confirm identities.
As the situation unfolds, more families are expected to arrive at the medical college. The authorities are preparing for the arrival of relatives from abroad as well. The community has shown immense support during this tragic time, with volunteers assisting in various capacities.
The heartbreak felt by the families is palpable. One man, Imtiyaz Ali, came from Mumbai after hearing about the crash. His brother and his brother’s family were on the flight. He expressed his hope that his loved ones might still be alive, despite the grim reality.
The medical community is on high alert, and the atmosphere is heavy with sorrow. Many medical students working at the site have been affected personally, as some of the deceased were their fellow students. This tragedy has touched many lives, and the community is rallying together to support one another.
As the days go by, the hope for answers continues to drive families to the BJ Medical College, where they wait for news about their loved ones. The DNA collection process is a vital step in bringing closure to those affected by this heartbreaking event.
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