Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Forensic DNA Lab in Gujarat Leads Victim Identification Efforts

By A Staff Reporter

Ahmedabad, June 16: In the aftermath of the tragic #AhmedabadPlaneCrash, the DNA Laboratory of the Directorate of Forensic Science (DFS) in Gujarat has become a crucial center for identifying the victims, many of whom were beyond visual recognition due to the intensity of the crash and subsequent fire.

According to the Information Department, Government of Gujarat, the victim identification process is being carried out primarily through DNA testing, a multi-stage forensic procedure handled by highly specialized units within the lab.

At the Isolation Lab, experts begin with preliminary examinations of postmortem samples and human remains recovered from the site. These samples are meticulously processed to extract DNA. Once isolation is complete, the material is sent to the Quantification Lab, where the quantity and quality of DNA are assessed to ensure it is viable for profiling.

The PCR Lab then uses thermal cyclers to amplify the DNA—crucial for enhancing small or degraded samples. This step ensures there is sufficient DNA for a complete genetic analysis.

Finally, the samples proceed to the Sequencing Lab, where advanced machines decode the genetic material. Senior scientists at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) use the data to generate comprehensive DNA profiles, which are matched against available ante-mortem samples provided by families or from official records.

Officials say this painstaking but essential process is being carried out with the utmost care to ensure accurate identification, enabling families to receive closure with dignity.