DNA Identification Races Ahead After Air India Crash, 169 Bodies Handed Over

Ahmedabad : Six days after the devastating Air India crash that claimed 279 lives, efforts to identify victims through DNA matching are progressing rapidly. According to Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, by Wednesday, DNA profiles of 206 victims had been matched successfully, and 169 bodies have been handed over to their families.

The tragic accident occurred on June 12, when the London-bound aircraft from Ahmedabad crashed shortly after takeoff. The plane struck the B.J. Medical College Hostel, bursting into flames and resulting in the deaths of nearly everyone on board and several people on the ground.

Authorities, including forensic teams and health officials, are working round-the-clock to ensure the identification process is handled with both scientific precision and emotional sensitivity. The process involves a coordinated effort between Forensic Science University, local health departments, and the administration to bring closure to grieving families.

Earlier on Wednesday, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi reported similar figures, stating that as of 2 PM, DNA identification had been completed for 202 victims, and 181 families had been contacted. Of these, 158 bodies had already been released to their next of kin.

While the identification continues, the broader impact of the crash remains evident. At B.J. Medical College, where the aircraft crashed, the trauma has deeply affected students and staff. Of the 30 medical students who were initially hospitalized, only one remains under treatment, while the rest have been discharged.

Among the 71 people on the ground who were injured, two have succumbed to their injuries. Forty-two individuals have been discharged, and one patient is reported to be in critical condition, with the remaining still undergoing care.

Dr. Rakesh Joshi, leading the DNA coordination efforts, highlighted the complexity of the task. “This isn’t just a scientific challenge—it’s a deeply legal and emotional responsibility. We are doing everything possible to reunite families with the remains of their loved ones promptly and respectfully,” he said.

Officials expect the pace of identification to increase in the coming days, bringing some measure of solace to hundreds of affected families as they begin to mourn and heal.