The aftermath of the Air India Flight AI171 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, continues to be a harrowing experience for the families of the deceased. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in a devastating loss of life. As of today, June 15, 2025, the confirmed death toll stands at 274, including passengers, crew, and individuals on the ground.
In the days following the crash, authorities have been working tirelessly to recover and identify the victims. However, the process has been complicated by the severe condition of the bodies, many of which were charred or mutilated in the impact and subsequent fire. This has necessitated the use of DNA matching to identify the remains, a process that is both painstaking and time-consuming.
Families of the victims have been camping at the civil hospital in Ahmedabad, desperately seeking information about their loved ones. The wait has been agonizing, compounded by frustration over the lack of clear and timely communication from the authorities. Many are enduring searing summer heat while grappling with immense grief and uncertainty.
Dr. Rajnish Patel, a senior doctor at B J Medical College, acknowledged the slow pace of the DNA matching process, emphasizing that it must be done meticulously. As of today, DNA of 47 victims has been matched, with 24 bodies handed over to families. The deceased were from Rajasthan and different parts of Gujarat, including Udaipur, Vadodara, Kheda, Visnagar and Ahmedabad. Authorities have been notifying families as matches are confirmed, urging them to collect the remains for final rites.
The Gujarat government has taken steps to ease the administrative burden on grieving families. Ahmedabad municipal commissioner Banchha Nidhi Pani announced that death certificates would be issued immediately at the hospital, sparing families from having to visit multiple government offices during this difficult time. Additionally, the government plans to assign grief counselors to the families to provide mental health support. 230 teams have been formed to coordinate with the families of the victims.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting a separate investigation into the technical aspects of the crash. The flight's black box has been recovered, and investigators are working to extract the data, which is expected to provide crucial insights into the cause of the accident. The government has pledged to investigate all possible theories.
Amidst the despair, stories of resilience and remembrance have emerged. Vigils have been held across India and the UK to honor the victims. The process of DNA matching of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was on board the flight, has been completed, confirming his death.
The Air India plane crash has left an indelible mark on the affected families and the nation as a whole. As the slow process of identification continues, the families of the victims can only wait and hope for closure, supported by their communities and the promise of a thorough investigation into the causes of this tragedy.
