Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 19: Rakesh Joshi, Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, on Thursday confirmed that DNA samples of 211 victims from the tragic Air India AI171 crash have been successfully matched, with efforts underway to verify the remaining samples.
“The administration is trying its best. As soon as the reports are ready, families will be contacted immediately. We are doing everything possible not to waste a single minute and to assist the families in this difficult time,” Joshi told ANI.
The deadly crash occurred on June 12, when a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating flight AI171, crashed into a hostel complex at BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad’s Meghani Nagar shortly after takeoff. The incident claimed 241 of the 242 lives onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
In a tragic development, the mortal remains of co-pilot Clive Kunder were brought to his family residence in Mumbai on Thursday. Visuals from the residence in Goregaon (West) showed a large crowd gathered to pay their respects, with Kunder’s family seen grieving in front of his portrait.
Clive Kunder lived with his parents and was remembered by many, including actor Vikrant Massey, who shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. “It pains even more to know that my uncle, Clifford Kunder, lost his son, Clive Kunder, who was the first officer operating that fateful flight,” Massey wrote. He extended his condolences to the victims’ families and called for strength during the time of mourning.
The crash has triggered a massive investigation, and DNA identification of the victims has been crucial for helping families achieve closure. Authorities have prioritized expediting the process and ensuring the remains are respectfully handed over to loved ones.