184 DNA Matches Confirmed in Air India Crash: 124 Bodies Handed Over to Families

Gandhinagar, June 18 : In a tragic aftermath of the June 12 Air India crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi confirmed on Wednesday morning that 184 DNA samples have been successfully matched by forensic teams. The announcement marks a significant step in the ongoing identification and repatriation process of the victims’ remains.

The ill-fated London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, slamming into a hostel complex of BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad’s Meghani Nagar area. The crash resulted in the deaths of 241 of the 242 people on board, including prominent political leader and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

In a social media post, Sanghavi stated, “Air India crash update: As of 8 am, 184 DNA have been matched.” The DNA testing is being conducted by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), both of which are at the forefront of the identification process.

Earlier on Tuesday, Ahmedabad Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr. Rakesh Joshi provided detailed updates, revealing that 163 DNA samples had already been matched. Of these, the mortal remains of 124 victims had been handed over to their respective families. Dr. Joshi added that remains of 21 more victims would be handed over by Wednesday morning, while two others were in the process of being released. However, the handover of four bodies remains on hold due to legal issues.

“More than 12 families are still awaiting the results of DNA testing,” Dr. Joshi noted, highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges involved in the process.

The crash also left a toll on survivors. A total of 71 injured individuals were admitted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital immediately after the incident. Of these, 42 have since been discharged. Currently, nine patients remain hospitalized, and two succumbed to their injuries during treatment.

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, as families mourn the loss of their loved ones and await full closure. The government has assured all necessary support to the victims’ families and has pledged a thorough and transparent inquiry into the tragedy.