18-JUN-2025,01:00 PM In one of the most tragic incidents in recent Indian aviation history, the devastating Air India plane crash continues to send shockwaves across the country. As rescue and recovery efforts persist, authorities have confirmed that DNA testing has identified 190 victims. Of those, 157 bodies have now been released to their grieving families for final rites and closure.
This grim milestone reflects the ongoing commitment of forensic and disaster response teams to ensure dignity, clarity, and compassion for those affected. The Air India tragedy has not only left a mark on aviation records but also sparked national and global conversations about airline safety and emergency preparedness.
Air India Crash: Tragedy That Claimed Nearly 200 Lives
The crash involved an Air India aircraft operating a repatriation flight under the Vande Bharat Mission. It veered off the runway and broke into multiple pieces during landing amid poor weather conditions.
Timeline of the Incident
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Date of Incident: [Insert Exact Date]
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Flight Details: The aircraft was flying from [City A] to [City B].
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Casualties: 190 confirmed deceased, including passengers and crew.
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Injuries: Dozens hospitalized with critical injuries.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with local residents rushing to help emergency personnel pull survivors from the wreckage. The severity of the crash led to significant delays in identifying victims due to the extensive physical trauma many sustained.
Air India : 157 Victims Identified and Released: The Role of DNA Forensics
Air India : Advanced Forensic Work Key in Identification
Due to the severe impact and fragmentation of the aircraft, conventional identification methods proved insufficient. Authorities turned to DNA profiling, a painstaking but reliable process that has now matched 190 victims with their families.
This process was led by:
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Central Forensic Science Laboratory teams.
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National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
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Local and state police authorities.
Air India : Emotional Relief for Families
The release of 157 bodies, now officially identified, has allowed mourning families a small measure of solace. Many had been waiting for days with bated breath, holding on to fading hope or awaiting word about their loved ones.
In a statement, one family member said:
“While nothing can bring our daughter back, being able to perform her last rites brings a sense of peace.”
Air India : Express Issues Statement: Full Cooperation and Support Assured
Air India : Support for Victims’ Families
In the wake of the tragedy, Air India Express has reiterated its commitment to assisting victims’ families. This includes:
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Covering funeral expenses.
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Offering psychological counseling and trauma support.
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Providing insurance and compensation to affected families.
The airline has also opened a 24×7 helpline for relatives and is working closely with government officials to streamline all formalities related to the identification and handover process.
Public Communication from the Airline
In an official press note, Air India stated:
“We are heartbroken by this loss and are fully committed to supporting the families in every possible way. Our teams are stationed on the ground to ensure the smoothest possible coordination with authorities and relatives.”
Air India’s Safety Record Under Scrutiny
Historical Context
While Air India has largely maintained a commendable safety record over the decades, this tragic event has renewed scrutiny on several aspects of flight safety and airport infrastructure, particularly at regional airports where weather conditions are unpredictable and runways are short or surrounded by difficult terrain.
Investigations Launched
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched a joint investigation into the crash. Key focus areas include:
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Weather conditions at the time of landing.
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The pilot’s decision-making process.
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Condition of the aircraft and runway.
Preliminary reports indicate that a combination of low visibility, tailwind, and heavy rainfall contributed to the aircraft overshooting the runway.
The Human Side of the Tragedy
Stories of Courage and Loss
As with any disaster of this scale, stories have emerged of immense personal loss but also of extraordinary bravery. Some survivors helped others escape the mangled wreckage, while local villagers rushed into danger to help pull passengers from the debris.
One such survivor, a young man traveling with his family, said:
“I woke up to smoke and screams. I couldn’t find my mother, but I helped a child stuck between two seats. I don’t even know whose child it was.”
Support from Government and Community
State and central governments have announced compensation packages, and relief camps have been set up near the crash site. NGOs and local community groups are also offering food, lodging, and legal aid to affected families.
A Call for Better Disaster Preparedness in Indian Aviation
This tragic Air India crash has once again brought to light the need for improved preparedness in emergency aviation scenarios. Experts are calling for:
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Upgraded runway infrastructure at smaller airports.
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Enhanced simulator training for extreme weather landings.
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Better coordination between air traffic control and weather services.
India’s aviation sector is one of the fastest-growing in the world. However, this growth must be matched with equal emphasis on safety, disaster management, and passenger well-being.
Moving Forward: Memorial, Lessons, and Accountability
The government has proposed a memorial near the crash site to honor those who lost their lives. Meanwhile, aviation authorities are expected to make public the full findings of their investigation in the coming months.
This incident will likely lead to policy reforms in:
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Pilot fatigue management.
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Aircraft landing protocols.
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Civil aviation safety audits.
Conclusion: A Nation in Mourning, an Industry Under Reflection
As families bury their loved ones and communities try to move forward, the shadow of the Air India crash looms large. It serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life is—and how critical it is to uphold the highest safety standards in aviation.
While the return of the 157 bodies offers a measure of closure, the real tribute to the victims will be seen in the changes that follow—so that no such tragedy may ever unfold again.
Source : ANI
