The process of collecting DNA samples from the family members of the victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash continued on Saturday, as authorities worked tirelessly to identify the deceased. Many relatives gathered at BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad to provide their samples.
So far, DNA samples from over 250 individuals have been collected as part of this massive identification exercise. Identification of the victims depends entirely on these DNA tests, as the bodies were charred beyond recognition, officials confirmed.
In a parallel development, the Government of India has constituted a high-level multi-disciplinary committee to investigate the causes of the Air India Flight AI-171 crash, which occurred on June 12, 2025, during its journey from Ahmedabad to Gatwick Airport, London, resulting in the tragic deaths of 241 people.
“A High Level Multi-disciplinary Committee is constituted for examining the causes leading to the crash of the Air India Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick Airport (London) on June 12, 2025. The Committee will examine the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines issued to prevent and handle such occurrences and suggest comprehensive guidelines for dealing with such instances in the future,” read an official order issued by the Civil Aviation Ministry.
The ministry clarified that this committee would function independently of the other formal investigations currently underway:
“The Committee will not be a substitute for other enquiries being conducted by relevant organisations but will focus on formulating SOPs for preventing and handling such occurrences in the future.”
The committee will have complete access to critical materials necessary for its inquiry:
“The committee will have access to all records, including, among others, flight data, cockpit voice recorders, aircraft maintenance records, ATC Log and witness testimonies,” the statement added.
The report is expected to be submitted within three months.
This high-level committee, chaired by the Home Secretary, will also include representatives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Indian Air Force, and aviation experts.
The panel’s scope includes evaluating the emergency response efforts of various stakeholders such as rescue operations and coordination among different agencies. Additionally, the committee will propose policy reforms, operational upgrades, and training improvements needed to prevent such tragic incidents in the future and to handle any post-crash scenarios efficiently.
Regarding the committee’s formation and purpose, the order explained:
“It was formed to ascertain the root cause of the crash.”
“The committee will recommend necessary improvements and formulate suitable SOPs to prevent such incidents in the future. These SOPs will also include international best practices regarding preventing and handling such incidents.”