In the aftermath of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed over 240 lives, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol spoke to The Indian Express about the steps the government is taking to facilitate the process of identifying bodies. In a conversation with Sunanda Mehta, the Lok Sabha MP from Pune revealed that so far, 220 DNA tests have been completed and eight bodies have been identified and handed over to the families
Rescue efforts are now in the final phase. Over 600 fire personnel, 100 ambulances, 250 army personnel, teams of the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force along with the Rapid Action Force police personnel and a dedicated green corridor were established for rescue operations. Expert medical teams and DNA specialists are working round the clock treatment of patients and identification of the bodies.
Round-the-clock control rooms at the Civil Hospital and SEOC remain active. Shelter, food, transport, and communication support have been arranged for victims’ families. While immediate rescue is almost complete, treatment and identification of bodies are still ongoing with full coordination between central and state agencies
What have been the biggest challenges in the rescue operation?
The biggest challenge at the moment is identifying the bodies and ensuring they are respectfully handed over to their families and loved ones.
How many bodies have been identified and DNA tests done?
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Authorities have so far completed DNA sampling for at least 220 victims. Despite the scale of the tragedy, eight bodies have been identified and handed over to their families.
How is the Government ensuring dignified repatriation of the bodies?
Post mortem examinations are underway, alongside DNA profiling, to help in identifying the bodies. As soon as identification is confirmed, bodies will be respectfully placed in coffins and made available to families at the post mortem room of B J Medical College in Pune. Air India will facilitate the transportation of the remains through its cargo services.
What is the status of those injured?
Approximately, 50 victims were admitted to the Civil Hospital, of whom 30 have been discharged. Some victims are in a critical condition.
Any indications as yet on what could have been the cause of the crash? The black box recovery is a breakthrough.
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An enquiry into the crash has been initiated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau in line with international protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The exact cause of the crash will be determined upon completion of the enquiry.
Yes, the Black Box (Digital Flight Data Recorder – DFDR) was recovered by the AAIB from the accident site yesterday. This will play a crucial role in the enquiry.
When can a preliminary report be expected? How will transparency be ensured?
The preliminary report will be published as per provisions of Annex 13 of ICAO and Aircraft Rules (Investigation of Accident and accidents), 2017. The preliminary report and the final report would be made public after the same is accepted by the authorities.
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A high-level committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Home Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, to examine the causes leading to the crash. The other members of this committee are Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Additional Secretary / Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs; representative from the home department, Gujarat; representative from the State Disaster Response Authority, Gujarat; Police Commissioner of Ahmedabad, Director General (Inspection and Safety) of the Indian Air Force; Director General of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security; Director General of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA); Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau; Director of Directorate of Forensic Science Services. Any other members, as deemed fit by the committee, including aviation experts, accident investigators, and legal advisors, may also be included.
The committee will examine the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines in place, identify gaps, and suggest more effective measures to prevent such accidents and propose appropriate strategies for the future.
The committee is expected to submit its report within three months.
What are the next steps ahead for the government?
Downloading of the FDR data and joint investigation with the state of manufacture and state of design, analysis of the aircraft and crew documents with the aim of finding the root cause of the accident so as to prevent future recurrence.