In the aftermath of the devastating Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, authorities have been working tirelessly to identify the victims and return their remains to their families. As of today, June 15, 2025, 80 victims have been identified through DNA matching, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. So far, the bodies of 33 victims have been handed over to their respective families for final rites.
The Air India flight, bound for London, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, claiming the lives of 241 passengers and crew members. In addition, 29 people on the ground also perished in the disaster when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a medical college complex near the airport. Only one person aboard the flight miraculously survived the crash.
The identification process has been painstaking, relying heavily on DNA matching due to the severity of the crash. Dr. Rajnish Patel, Additional Civil Superintendent, confirmed that forensic teams worked around the clock to expedite the process and provide closure to the grieving families. The victims whose remains have been handed over hail from various locations, including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Kheda, and Botad.
The Gujarat government has declared a state mourning for former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. His funeral procession is scheduled to be held in Rajkot. Rupani was reportedly traveling to London to visit his wife.
In addition to the fatalities, 51 people were injured in the incident. As of today, 38 of them have been discharged from the hospital, while 13 are still receiving treatment, according to Dr. Patel.
State Relief Commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey stated that families of all passengers who died in the flight have been contacted. Air India is also providing assistance to the affected families during this difficult time. Over 400 family members have arrived in Ahmedabad and are receiving support from the authorities and the airline.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. The government has formed a committee to determine the factors that led to the tragic incident. Air India has also enhanced safety checks on its Boeing 787 fleet in response to the crash, which may lead to potential delays on long-haul routes.
