Following the devastating Air India Flight AI171 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, authorities have commenced the somber process of handing over the remains of victims to their grieving families. The crash, one of India's worst aviation disasters in recent decades, claimed the lives of at least 270 people, including 241 on board the London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and 29 on the ground when the aircraft struck a medical college hostel shortly after takeoff. Only one passenger, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived the horrific incident.
The identification of victims has been a painstaking and emotionally challenging undertaking, primarily relying on DNA matching due to the severe damage and charring of many bodies. Hundreds of relatives have provided DNA samples at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where authorities are working tirelessly to expedite the identification process.
Dr. Rajnish Patel, Additional Medical Superintendent at Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, confirmed that DNA matches have been established for 32 victims, and their families have been notified to collect the remains. As of today, June 15, 2025, fourteen bodies have been handed over to relatives after the completion of necessary formalities. Previously, three bodies were handed over on Saturday.
The process has been understandably slow, causing frustration and anguish among the families. Authorities acknowledge the delays, explaining that DNA matching typically requires up to 72 hours, but they are making every effort to accelerate the process. The agonizing wait continues for many families desperate for closure. Some family members have voiced their concerns and desperation.
Alongside the identification and handover of remains, multiple investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has recovered the black box from the wreckage, which will be crucial in understanding the sequence of events leading to the disaster. The Indian government has also formed a high-level committee to examine the causes and formulate procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. This committee will focus on enhancing emergency handling and prevention measures for aircraft.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has initiated inspections of Air India's entire fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced that eight of the 34 Dreamliners in India have already undergone inspection.
Amidst the ongoing investigation, the Turkish government has refuted claims that Turkish Technic maintained the specific Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner involved in the crash. They clarified that agreements between Air India and Turkish Technic only cover maintenance for B777 aircraft, not the 787-8 model.
The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, continues to recover in the hospital.
