In a significant development following the devastating Air India crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced on Wednesday that DNA identification of 184 victims has been completed so far. The process, crucial for bringing closure to grieving families, marks a major step forward in the aftermath of one of India’s worst aviation tragedies.
Sharing the update on social media platform X, Sanghavi wrote, “Air India crash update: As of 8 am, 184 DNA have been matched.” The DNA matching process is being carried out by expert teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), ensuring swift and accurate identification.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, Ahmedabad Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr. Rakesh Joshi provided more details about the identification and handover of remains. “Till 5:45 pm today, 163 DNA samples have matched. Following which, the mortal remains of 124 deceased have been handed over to their families,” said Dr. Joshi. “Out of the remaining 39, the mortal remains of 21 deceased will be handed over to their families by morning. Mortal remains of two deceased are in the process of being handed over. Twelve families are waiting for results, and the handing over of four bodies is on hold due to legal issues.”
The identification process has brought a measure of comfort to many families, with hospital staff and local authorities working around the clock to ensure dignified handovers and compassionate communication.
Dr. Joshi also provided updates on the injured. “On the day of the crash, 71 injured people were admitted to the Civil Hospital. Out of them, 42 have been discharged. As of now, nine patients are admitted. Two people had passed away after they were admitted,” he said.
The tragedy occurred on June 12, when a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel complex in Ahmedabad’s Meghani Nagar shortly after takeoff. The horrifying incident claimed 241 of the 242 lives onboard, including prominent public figures such as former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash while extending full support to the affected families. The identification of victims through DNA matching has been prioritized, and officials say the remaining processes will be completed as quickly as possible.
