The tragic Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad has claimed the lives of 241 people, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, officials confirmed. The ongoing identification process has so far yielded 80 DNA sample matches, with 33 bodies respectfully handed over to their relatives, according to Dr. Rajneesh Patel, Additional Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.
The Dreamliner aircraft, bound for London, crashed into a nearby doctor’s hostel complex shortly after takeoff, causing devastation not only among the 242 onboard but also on the ground, killing 33 residents, including MBBS students who lived in the hostel.
DNA Matching and Handover Progress
Dr. Patel provided a detailed update during a media briefing held at 10:15 pm on Sunday.
“The total number of DNA sample matches has reached 80. So far, 33 bodies have been handed over respectfully to their relatives,” he said.
He noted that the relatives of two additional victims were expected to arrive Monday night, with 13 families scheduled to collect remains on Tuesday. For another 21 victims, family consultations were ongoing regarding the handover process.
In the case of 11 victims, Dr. Patel revealed, their immediate family members were also among the deceased in the crash, which has complicated the matching and handover procedures. Their bodies will be released following further DNA confirmation.
State-Wide Impact
The victims hailed from several regions, including:
- 12 from Ahmedabad
- 5 from Baroda
- 4 from Mehsana
- 4 from Anand
- 2 each from Kheda and Bharuch
- 1 each from Udaipur, Jodhpur, Botad, and Aravalli
Support for Bereaved Families
The Gujarat state government has deployed special teams assigned to each grieving family. These consist of:
- A senior administrative officer
- A police official
- A professional counsellor
Their role is to provide emotional and logistical support during the identification and body-handover process.
“Each body will be handed over with full respect and dignity,” Dr. Patel assured.
Casualties and Survivor
Of the 242 people onboard, 241 were killed, comprising 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The sole survivor, identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, remains under intensive medical care for serious injuries.
On the ground, 33 fatalities have been confirmed, including residents and students from the doctor’s hostel into which the aircraft crashed after losing control.