The aftermath of the devastating Air India crash in Ahmedabad continues to unfold, with significant progress made in identifying the victims and returning their remains to their families. As of today, June 20, 2025, authorities have successfully matched DNA samples from 215 individuals who perished in the tragic incident. Out of these, 198 bodies have been handed over to their respective families, allowing them to begin the grieving process and perform final rites.
The Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed on June 12, 2025, claiming the lives of all 242 passengers and crew members on board, along with approximately 29 people on the ground. The sheer scale of the disaster and the condition of the remains, many of which were charred beyond recognition, necessitated the use of DNA testing for identification.
The DNA matching process, described by officials as both legally sensitive and scientifically complex, has been carried out meticulously by forensic teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU). The process involves comparing DNA samples taken from the remains with those of relatives, a task that requires precision and accuracy.
Ahmedabad Civil Hospital has been the central hub for this somber undertaking. Dr. Rakesh Joshi, the hospital's medical superintendent, has provided regular updates on the progress of the identification efforts. He confirmed that eight more families are expected to receive the remains of their loved ones in the coming days, with two families scheduled to accept the bodies by tomorrow. However, 11 families are still awaiting the DNA match of a second relative, highlighting the continued emotional strain and the agonizing wait for closure.
The identified victims include a diverse group of individuals from various nationalities. According to Dr. Joshi, among the 198 deceased whose bodies have been handed over, 142 were Indian citizens, 32 were British nationals, 7 were from Portugal, 1 was Canadian, and 7 were non-passengers who were tragically present near the crash site. The geographical distribution of the identified victims spans across India and beyond, reflecting the widespread impact of the disaster.
As families receive the remains of their loved ones, emotional scenes have unfolded. In one poignant instance, a British couple of Indian origin, were identified side-by-side through DNA tests, bringing a measure of solace to their sons. The remains are being dispatched to the victims' respective home states and countries, allowing families to conduct funerals and memorial services.
Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing. A 59-second CCTV video clip showing the plane's takeoff and subsequent descent is being examined. Investigators are considering potential issues related to engine thrust, flap operation, and the reason for the landing gear remaining open after takeoff. The aircraft's black boxes, including the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), have been recovered and are being sent to the US for further analysis.
