Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced on Tuesday that 177 DNA samples have been successfully matched following the tragic crash of a London-bound Air India aircraft in Ahmedabad.
In a post on X, the minister stated, “Air India crash update: As of now, 177 DNA have been matched,” adding that the identification process is being carried out by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU).
Earlier in the day, Ahmedabad Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr. Rakesh Joshi reported that 163 DNA samples had been matched. Providing further clarity during a press conference, he said, “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. Out of the remaining 39, the mortal remains of 21 deceased will be handed over by tomorrow morning. Two are in the process of being handed over, while handing over four remains is on hold due to legal complications.”
Dr. Joshi mentioned that over 12 families are awaiting final confirmation of DNA results.
On the day of the crash, 71 injured passengers were admitted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. “Out of them, 42 have been discharged, while nine remain under treatment. Unfortunately, two succumbed to their injuries after admission,” Joshi added.
The catastrophic crash occurred on June 12, when the London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft crashed into the hostel complex of BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
Tragically, 241 of the 242 passengers and crew on board lost their lives, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
Emergency services and forensic teams have been working round-the-clock to identify victims and return remains to their families, while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the crash.