144 Victims Identified in Ahmedabad Air India Crash as DNA Matching Progresses

Gandhinagar – Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced on Tuesday that DNA identification of 144 victims from the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad has been successfully completed. The forensic process, handled by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), has been central to confirming the identities of those lost in the June 12 disaster.

“Air India crash update: As of 12 pm, 144 DNA samples have been matched,” Sanghavi posted on X (formerly Twitter), adding that the process was progressing steadily. On Monday, the number stood at 125 matched samples, with mortal remains of 83 victims already handed over to their families.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, headed for London, crashed into a hostel complex shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 241 passengers and crew. Among the victims was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, whose last rites were performed with full state honours in Rajkot by his son Rushabh Rupani. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel were among those present at the funeral.

Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, confirmed that BJ Medical College lost four students in the tragedy. The only survivor, Vishwas, is said to be stable and slowly improving.

Five days after the crash, 135 bodies have been positively identified, and 101 handed over to families. Of these, five were not on the official flight manifest, raising concerns about unregistered passengers or visitors at the crash site. Another 17 families are still awaiting DNA results, while five more are currently in contact with hospital authorities.

The government has assured that all remaining bodies will be released to their families as soon as identification is confirmed.