The aftermath of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad is marked by immense grief and growing frustration among the victims' families. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025, claiming the lives of 241 passengers and crew, as well as at least 29 people on the ground. While authorities have begun the grim task of identifying and returning remains, the slow pace of the process has become a major source of distress for the grieving families.
The primary challenge lies in the condition of the bodies, many of which were charred or mutilated beyond recognition. This necessitates DNA identification, a process that officials say typically takes 48-72 hours per victim. However, relatives report waiting longer, with little communication from authorities. As of June 16, 2025, days after the crash, only a fraction of the victims had been positively identified and released to their families. While some families have already held funerals, many are still waiting for DNA matches.
The delay has triggered anguish and anger. Imtiyaz Ali, who lost his brother, sister-in-law, and two children in the crash, expressed his frustration with the airline's response, stating that they should have provided immediate assistance with paperwork and other necessities. Rinal Christian, whose brother was the family's sole breadwinner after their father's recent death, said her family keeps returning to the hospital, only to be told to wait.
Health officials have acknowledged the slow pace, attributing it to the critical condition of the remains. Dr. Patel explained that the DNA identification process routinely takes three to four days, and urged families to wait patiently. Despite the challenges, officials emphasize their commitment to honoring the dead and ensuring the proper handling of remains.
In response to the disaster, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson stated that over 200 trained caregivers have been assigned to assist families. The airline directed inquiries to earlier statements about its response. The government has also offered compensation and support to the affected families.
Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the crash are underway. The digital flight data recorder, one of the black boxes, has been recovered, but the search for the second black box continues. Authorities have also begun inspecting Air India's fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with eight of the 34 aircraft already examined as of June 16, 2025.
As families grapple with the emotional toll of the tragedy, they are seeking closure through the timely identification and return of their loved ones' remains. The slow recovery process is exacerbating their grief, highlighting the need for efficient and transparent communication from authorities during this difficult time.
