Ahmedabad Plane Crash: 211 DNA Matches Confirmed

Ahmedabad, Gujarat – A week after the tragic Air India plane crash that devastated Ahmedabad, relentless efforts by forensic experts and medical teams are bringing much-needed closure to the families of the deceased. In a crucial update, Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr. Rakesh Joshi announced on Thursday that DNA samples of 211 victims have been successfully matched, allowing for the expedited release of mortal remains.

“So far, a total of 189 bodies have been handed over to the families,” stated Dr. Joshi during a media briefing, highlighting the remarkable speed and sensitivity with which the identification process is being handled. This crucial step marks a significant milestone in the aftermath of the harrowing incident.

Dr. Joshi provided further details, indicating that while a majority of the identified bodies have been released, the process is still ongoing for some. “Eight families will come to accept the bodies of their relatives in the near future, two families will accept the bodies by tomorrow, and eleven families are still awaiting the DNA match of another relative,” he explained, emphasizing the complexity of identifying all victims, particularly those with multiple family members on board.

The victims represent a diverse group, reflecting the international nature of the ill-fated flight. Among the 189 deceased handed over, 142 were Indian citizens, 7 Portuguese, 32 British citizens, one Canadian, and 7 non-passengers, likely individuals on the ground who tragically lost their lives.

The bodies released so far span across a wide geographical area, underscoring the far-reaching impact of the tragedy. Dr. Joshi meticulously detailed the distribution: “Bodies of 7 from Udaipur, 20 from Vadodara, 10 from Kheda, 55 from Ahmedabad, 6 from Mehsana, 1 from Botad, 1 from Jodhpur, 2 from Aravalli, 16 from Anand, 5 from Bharuch, 11 from Surat, 1 from Patan, 6 from Gandhinagar, 2 from Maharashtra, 14 from Diu, 1 from Junagadh, 2 from Amreli, 5 from Gir Somnath, 1 from Mahisagar, 1 from Bhavnagar, 1 from Patna, 3 from Rajkot, 9 from Mumbai, 1 from Nadiad, 2 from Jamnagar, 2 from Dwarka, 1 from Sabarkantha, 2 from London, and 1 from Nagaland were handed over to the relatives.”

He stressed the meticulous nature of the ongoing work: “The process of DNA sample matching is very sensitive and legal matters are also involved, this process is being completed very seriously and quickly.” Dr. Joshi lauded the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies, including the Forensic Science University, local administrations, state government health and other departments, and various other organizations, all working tirelessly to ensure the swift and dignified return of remains to their grieving families. This coordinated response brings a glimmer of hope for closure to those grappling with unimaginable loss.