The aftermath of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad is marked by immense grief and a desperate wait for families to bring their loved ones home. The London-bound flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12, 2025, killing all but one of the 242 passengers and crew on board, as well as dozens on the ground. As the grim task of identifying victims through DNA testing continues, the anguish of those waiting outside the Ahmedabad hospital grows more profound with each passing hour.

For many families, the agonizing wait is compounded by a lack of information and the slow pace of the identification process. Rashid Hora, who lost three family members, including his four-year-old niece, expressed his frustration, "Victims' families need confirmation... How many bodies have you identified? Tell us. It's now over 48 hours, and we have no information." Rafiq Menon, who lost four family members, echoed this sentiment, pleading with authorities to provide updates on the search for his children. "Tell us if you have them, don't torture us," he said, his eyes filled with tears.

The process of identifying the victims is painstaking due to the severity of the crash. Many bodies were badly burned and disfigured beyond recognition. Dr. Rajnish Patel, a senior doctor at Ahmedabad's Civil Hospital, explained that DNA matching is a meticulous process with legal and medical implications that cannot be rushed. As of Sunday, June 15, 2025, only 32 victims had been identified through DNA mapping, with the remains of 14 handed over to relatives.

Despite the slow progress, authorities are working to expedite the process while ensuring accuracy. Air India has deployed teams to assist the families, assigning caregivers to each affected family in Ahmedabad and coordinating with Tata Group companies and government authorities to support the bereaved. The airline is also assisting in repatriation efforts where required.

In the face of this tragedy, instances of social media misuse have added to the families' distress. The cousin of one victim, Komi Vyas, reported the circulation of doctored images and fake videos, urging social media influencers to verify facts and stop spreading misinformation. Air India has confirmed that families of the deceased will receive ₹1 crore in compensation from Tata Group, plus ₹25 lakh in interim relief from the airline.

While authorities work diligently to identify and return the remains of the victims, the families' wait continues. They were inseparable in life, and their loved ones are hoping to be able to bring them home together, so that they can properly lay them to rest. The emotional toll is immense, and the need for clear communication, efficient processes, and compassionate support remains paramount during this incredibly difficult time.