Indian army leads blood donation drive for Air India AI-171 crash victims
Commanders, emergency services, and local hospitals unite to support victims and expedite identification efforts following the tragic Air India incident
Ahmedabad: The Indian Army recently organized a large-scale blood donation camp at the Military Cantonment in Ahmedabad to help the victims of the Air India AI-171 plane crash. Approximately 300 army personnel voluntarily donated blood to bolster emergency response efforts as hospitals continue to care for the injured. Commanders also led by example, participating in the blood drive to underscore the armed forces commitment to serving the nation in times of crisis.
The drive is being held in collaboration with local hospitals and emergency services, ensuring that donated blood reaches critical patients promptly. This compassionate initiative comes at a time when the city is grappling with the aftermath of the tragic flight.
Meanwhile, efforts to identify victims of the Air India Flight AI-171 crash are ongoing at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. At present, five bodies have been identified and returned to their families, including two from Rajasthan, two from Bhavnagar, and one from Madhya Pradesh. DNA samples have already been collected from 192 families, and a dedicated team of 70-80 doctors from institutions including PHCs and CHCs across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Anand, and Nadiad has been diligently working on post-mortem examinations since Thursday.
Additionally, the state government has established a special DNA collection facility at Kasoti Bhavan on the ground floor of B.J. Medical College. Health Principal Secretary Dhananjay Dwivedi explained that DNA samples are being collected primarily from immediate family members, such as parents and children, for matching purposes, a process that is expected to take at least three days.
To further support the affected families, police and hospital staff are offering emotional assistance while managing formalities with the utmost dignity and care. Queries regarding patients or post-mortem identification can be directed to the Civil Hospital at 6357373831 or 6357373841. The state government has also set up a control room at the State Emergency Operations Centre, reachable at 079-23251900 or 9978405304.
So far, over 250 post-mortem examinations have been completed as authorities continue their identification and support efforts in response to this unfortunate incident.