In a significant development following the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, authorities have successfully identified 190 victims through DNA testing, and 159 bodies have already been returned to their families, an official confirmed on Wednesday, June 18.

A Tragic Incident

The London-bound Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed moments after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft, which had 242 people on board, including passengers and crew, veered off-course and crashed into a medical college complex located in the city’s outskirts.

The accident caused devastating loss of life, with only one survivor, British businessman Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, who miraculously escaped and was recently discharged from hospital. In addition to the passengers and crew, the crash also claimed the lives of 29 people on the ground.

DNA Identification in Progress

Due to the severity of the crash and ensuing fire, many bodies were charred beyond recognition. Authorities initiated an extensive DNA matching process at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital to identify the victims and return the bodies to their families.

According to Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Medical Superintendent at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital:

“Till Wednesday morning, 190 DNA samples have been matched, and 159 bodies have already been handed over to the respective families. The process of matching the remaining samples is ongoing.”

The identification process is being conducted in coordination with forensic teams, Central and State Disaster Response Forces, and local police authorities.

Emotional Moments as Bodies Returned

The handing over of the bodies has been an emotional and sombre process. Families, many of whom had flown in from various parts of India and abroad — especially the UK, UAE, and Canada — waited for confirmation for days before receiving the remains of their loved ones.

Special arrangements were made at the hospital and airport for private mourning, transportation of mortal remains, and religious rites.

Government and Institutional Support

The Gujarat Government and the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation have been working closely with hospital authorities to fast-track identification and provide logistical assistance to affected families.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ahmedabad Civil Hospital on June 13, a day after the crash, to meet survivors and families. He had also spoken to the survivor, Mr. Ramesh, expressing condolences and appreciation for the hospital staff.

Air India and International Response

Air India, which is currently under the Tata Group, issued statements promising full support to families. Emergency response teams from the airline, as well as officials from London’s Gatwick Airport, have been coordinating with Indian authorities and consulates for paperwork and international repatriation.

Many international passengers aboard were of Indian origin and resided in the United Kingdom.

Challenges in the Identification Process

The DNA testing has been laborious and time-consuming, as many victims suffered severe burns and trauma, making visual identification impossible. Officials collected samples from relatives across India and abroad, leading to logistical delays in matching.

Each identification requires cross-verification of familial DNA, forensic records, and, in some cases, dental remains and personal items found at the site.

Continuing Investigation

A joint investigation led by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), along with international aviation safety authorities, is ongoing. Preliminary reports suggest a mechanical failure in the aircraft’s engine control system, but a final report is awaited.

The black box and flight data recorder were recovered and sent to France for decoding by experts from Boeing and Air India, with participation from global aviation agencies.

What’s Next

Officials say that the remaining DNA matches will be completed in the next 7–10 days, after which the remaining bodies will be handed over. Authorities are also compiling a comprehensive victim list, which will be made public with family consent.

Psychological counselling, legal support, and compensation assistance are being offered to next of kin. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has promised a detailed public report and review of safety protocols for future long-haul international flights.

In Memory

As India mourns the loss of over 270 lives, tributes have poured in from around the world. Community halls in Gujarat, Delhi, London, and Toronto held prayer meetings, and several organisations launched donation drives to help the victims’ families.

This tragic event will likely lead to significant changes in aviation emergency preparedness, pilot training, and aircraft safety inspections in India.

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