In the aftermath of the devastating Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, the painstaking process of identifying the victims continues, bringing both closure and renewed grief to the families affected. As of today, June 17, 2025, authorities have confirmed the identities of 163 victims through DNA matching, and have handed over 124 bodies to their respective families. Among the latest identified are a couple, now recognized as the 98th and 99th DNA matches, a detail that underscores both the tragedy's scale and the deeply personal losses it represents.
The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people to London, crashed into a medical college complex shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, resulting in 241 fatalities on board and 29 deaths on the ground, including four medical students. Only one passenger miraculously survived. The sheer force of the impact and subsequent fire left many bodies charred beyond visual recognition, making DNA identification the primary method for confirming identities.
The couple identified as the 98th and 99th DNA matches represent one of many heartbreaking stories emerging from the crash. While their names have not been publicly released, their identification offers their families a measure of solace amidst their profound grief. The process of DNA matching, while scientifically rigorous, is also emotionally taxing. Forensic teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) have been working tirelessly around the clock, comparing DNA samples from the victims with those provided by relatives.
The identification process typically spans up to 72 hours, but in some instances, it can be quicker. For example, in the case of Ashok Patel (74) and Shobhna Patel (71), a couple from London, their sons Miten and Hemit received confirmation of their father's identity on Father's Day, followed shortly by their mother's match. This swift identification offered the family a sense of togetherness, reflecting the couple's inseparable bond in life and death.
Authorities have collected samples from 250 victims, including both passengers and those killed on the ground. The Ahmedabad Civil Hospital is serving as the central hub for this somber undertaking. Medical Superintendent Rakesh Joshi has expressed hope that the DNA profiling of all victims will be completed soon.
As families grapple with the loss of their loved ones, investigations into the cause of the crash are underway. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe, with assistance from teams from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the U.K.. Both the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder have been recovered, and investigators hope these "black boxes" will provide crucial insights into the events leading up to the crash. A committee headed by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has been constituted, and its report is expected within three months.
In the face of immense tragedy, communities have rallied to support the victims' families. The Gujarat government has coordinated with the Civil Hospital to ensure smooth communication and support and has eased claim processes. Insurance companies have also taken steps to expedite claims, providing financial relief to those affected.
