The families of Air India crash victims struggle with the agonizing wait for body identifications as authorities face challenges amid ongoing investigations. Many relatives are grappling with the uncertainty of their loved ones’ fates while coping with profound grief and the complexities of the identification process.
The heart-wrenching wait for families of the victims from the recent Air India crash continues, as authorities grapple with the overwhelming task of identifying remains. Jignesh Mistry, 72, has spent nearly 72 hours at Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital seeking updates on his 22-year-old niece, who was killed when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff. He was initially told that the DNA identification process would conclude on Sunday, but he’s been informed it could take longer, raising anxiety among grieving families.
“When people are still missing, how can they possibly complete the DNA process by tomorrow?” Mr. Jignesh cried out in anguish. Meanwhile, officials remain tight-lipped about the ongoing identification process. The Civil Hospital’s additional superintendent, Rajnish Patel, confirmed that 11 victims had been identified through DNA samples, yet many more remain unaccounted for.
The tragic incident, which left only one survivor among the 242 people on board, happened as the aircraft, destined for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed into a medical college hostel in a densely populated area near Ahmedabad. In response, the Indian government has initiated a thorough investigation, with an emphasis on inspecting all Boeing 787s operated by local airlines.
Investigators continue to probe the reasons behind such a catastrophic event. The aviation authority has stated that it is considering all potential causes and has enlisted foreign experts for assistance. However, for the affected families, the clock ticks slowly as they await the return of their deceased loved ones.
The identification process has proven painstakingly difficult due to the condition of the bodies. HP Sanghvi, the director of Forensic Sciences, emphasized the critical nature of precision in this process, as many remains were too damaged to be recognized. “There is no scope for mistakes here – we have to ensure that every family receives the right body,” he noted, adding that the intense heat from the crash may have affected DNA samples. Forensic specialists are even collecting dental records in hopes of finding DNA where others have been compromised.
Families endure agonizing waits, many opting to keep their grief private, preferring instead to remain together in sorrow. “We are in no condition to say anything. Words fail us right now,” one woman expressed, slipping away from the autopsy area as anguish overwhelmed her.
As the hospital works to expedite body identifications, nearby BJ Medical College has begun to clear out wards following the crash. The impact of this disaster has left many students feeling haunted and desolate, a reflection of the broader community’s grief.
For some, like Kartik Kalawadia, the wait is compounded by uncertainty. He recalls the last conversation he had with his brother, Mahesh, minutes before the crash. Mahesh had reassured his wife, saying, “I am coming home,” but tragedy sealed his fate and left his family searching for answers.
The Civil Aviation Secretary, SK Sinha, acknowledged the difficulty bereaved families are facing but expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation’s direction. Still, Mr. Kalawadia is left wondering if answers will come, either way.
In the same hospital, Imtiyaz Ali Sayed, initially in denial about his family’s fate, is now grasping the reality of their loss. As he contemplates arrangements for his late brother and his family, he reflected, “With just a few hours left, we are now trying to decide – should we bury him here, or in the UK? It makes no difference, really, he’s gone, from ashes to dust and back to God.”
Time continues to crawl for all those affected; each moment laden with unbearable grief, punctuated only by faint hopes of closure.
The tragedy of the Air India crash has left families reeling, enduring a painful wait as authorities work to identify the remains of the victims. With ongoing investigations and significant challenges in DNA identification, each moment is filled with anxiety and heartache. As the community comes to grips with the loss, those involved are faced with the harsh reality of decisions that must be made amidst their overwhelming sorrow.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
