The aftermath of the devastating Ahmedabad plane crash on June 12, 2025, continues to unfold as authorities work tirelessly to identify the victims and provide closure to their families. As of today, June 22, 2025, DNA tests have successfully identified 251 of the 270 individuals who perished in the tragedy. This includes both passengers and non-passengers who were victims on the ground. So far, 245 bodies have been handed over to their families, allowing them to begin the grieving process and final farewells.

The Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 PM. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed into a residential area in Meghaninagar, near the airport, resulting in a fire that engulfed a medical college hostel. Only one passenger survived the crash. In addition to the passengers and crew, 33 people on the ground also lost their lives.

The intensity of the fire and the force of the impact severely charred and disfigured many of the bodies, making visual identification impossible. As a result, DNA analysis became the primary method for identifying the victims. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar, along with associated institutions, local administration, health departments, and various other agencies, have been working around the clock to ensure the accurate and swift identification of the deceased.

Dr. Rakesh Joshi, medical superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, emphasized the sensitivity and urgency of the DNA sample matching process, stating that it is being completed with seriousness and speed, while adhering to all legal protocols.

The DNA sampling process involves collecting samples from both the victims and their relatives. Samples taken from the deceased, such as bones and teeth, undergo meticulous cleaning to eliminate any external contamination. Bones are powdered, and teeth are broken into fragments before being powdered. DNA is then isolated using specialized machines at controlled temperatures. The extracted DNA then undergoes quality and quantity analysis using RT-PCR machines. If the DNA meets the required thresholds, multiple copies are created for further testing. The DNA strands are separated and run through sequencing machines to generate a complete genetic profile.

Reference blood samples from living relatives are collected and undergo the same process before comparative analysis. According to Dr. Junare from the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), reference samples are matched against all deceased samples until a match is found. A significant challenge arises when entire families have perished in the crash, requiring reference samples from grandparents, uncles, or nieces.

To ensure accuracy and prevent errors, the opening of all samples at NFSU is videographed for evidence. In some instances, officials had to request new DNA samples from other close relatives after initial samples did not match.

Of the 245 bodies released to their families, 176 were Indian, 49 were British, seven were Portuguese, and one was Canadian, along with 12 non-passengers. Among the deceased, 70 victims were from Ahmedabad, 24 from Vadodara, 26 from Anand, and 11 from Kheda, with others hailing from various states and union territories across India.

In accordance with Interpol's Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) guidelines, bodies are being embalmed and placed in sealed coffins before being handed over to the families. While fingerprint analysis is typically a primary identifier, it could not be conducted in this case due to the extent of the fire damage.

Air India has begun providing interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the families of the deceased and survivors, in addition to the Rs 1 crore compensation announced by Tata Sons. The airline has also deployed trained psychologists and doctors in Ahmedabad to provide trauma counseling and emotional support to grieving families. A helpdesk has been established to assist families with documentation and claim processing, streamlining the compensation procedure. Furthermore, Air India is offering assistance with DNA identification procedures, providing caregivers to accompany families when remains are released, and offering additional financial aid for travel, medical expenses, accommodation, and funeral costs.