Ahmedabad plane crash: 215 DNA samples matched, 198 bodies handed to their families

Ahmedabad plane crash update: 215 DNA samples matched, 198 victims’ bodies identified and handed over to families. Recovery and identification efforts continue

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI‑171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, departing from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport bound for London Gatwick, encountered catastrophe mere seconds into its flight. Official data shows the aircraft took off at 13:38 IST and reached about 625 ft before losing altitude, issuing a mayday call, and crashing into the BJ Medical College hostel in Meghani Nagar district, around 30 seconds after take‑off.

In-flight casualties: 241 passengers and crew died aboard.
Ground fatalities: 29–30 individuals were killed in the building that was struck
Total confirmed deaths: Authorities now confirm at least 270–279 lives lost
Survivor: Miraculously, one passenger – British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh (seat 11A) – survived and is recuperating

This tragedy ranks among India’s worst air disasters in recent memory – especially for a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which had never previously seen a fatal accident in its approximately 16-year service

Within minutes, dozens of emergency vehicles—including seven fire engines—rushed to the scene. Indian Army and security forces swiftly joined to evacuate survivors, extinguish fires, and recover victims . Roads around Meghani Nagar were cordoned off to aid rescue operations. Authorities at Ahmedabad city police report at least 204 bodies recovered on site by the evening of the crash, encompassing both victims on board and those in the building

The intense impact and fire incinerated much of the aircraft and its contents, resulting in severely charred and damaged bodies. Visual identification became nearly impossible. Under forensic chaos, authorities relied on DNA profiling to confirm identities

Within 72 hours of the crash, Civil Hospital Ahmedabad and BJ Medical College mobilized personnel and established two helpline numbers (6357373831, 63573738341) for families seeking information. They also called on close relatives—particularly parents and children—to submit blood samples for DNA comparison

Authorities emphasized quick processing. Gujarat Health Secretary Dhananjay Dwivedi stated that initial DNA reports could arrive within three hours to three days after sample submission

211–215 DNA samples had been successfully matched to victims’ remains by mid‑week
198–189 bodies were released to their families for final rites
June 18 (Wednesday): DNA matches reached 208, and 173 bodies had been returnedz
June 19 (Thursday): Updates showed 211 matches, 189 bodies released .
Late June 19: Latest statements from authorities reflect 215 DNA matches, 198 bodies handed over.

Identification work continues as thousands of grieving families await closure.

Several deeply emotional cases have emerged:

Ravi Thakor, a canteen worker, faced heartbreak when DNA confirmed his mother Sarla and two-year-old daughter Aadhya perished; police released their bodies to him for final rites
Couple Pooja and Harshit Patel, students residing in the UK, died together; Harshit has been identified, but Pooja is still awaiting results. Their families pleaded for their remains to be returned together

These individual tragedies illustrate the trauma experienced by hundreds of families confronting loss and uncertainty during the identification process.

This was not just an Indian tragedy:

53 British nationals, 7 from Portugal, and a Canadian were among the 241 passengers
Initially, remains of UK, Portuguese, and Canadian nationals were included among those returned .
International aid: British, American, and Boeing and NTSB experts joined post-crash investigations
UK Prime Minister Starmer, King Charles III, US Secretary Rubio, France’s Macron, Australia’s minister, Israeli PM Netanyahu, and Canada’s PM expressed their condolences .

Investigators from India’s AAIB, UK’s AAIB, and US NTSB are probing mechanical systems, engine performance, fuel, flaps, landing gear, and other factors.

Key recovery and research efforts:

Black box flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved; full analysis expected within months
DGCA has ordered expedited inspections of all 34 Dreamliners in India; 8 have already been examined
Preliminary observations include abnormal ascent, underdeveloped thrust, premature flap or gear retraction, and possible bird strike or engine issue
Tata Group, Air India’s parent, announced ₹1 crore compensation per deceased passenger and support for reconstruction of the damaged hostel.
Compensation coverage includes medical expenses for injured ground victims
PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah visited the crash site. Shah reported that extreme heat from ~125,000 liters of jet fuel meant there was “no chance of survival”
Air India set up a dedicated support cell and helpline (1800‑5691‑444) for family assistance
DNA teams are still working to identify the remaining 26–34 victims, with families stepping forward daily.
Local officials stress there are no unidentified bodies to discard; all will be properly laid to rest based on religious rites if no DNA match occurs
Some families are anxious for swifter identification; authorities reiterate the complexity due to charred remains and the necessity for precision.
Completion of DNA matching: Teams aim to finish within days or weeks. Once identifications are finalized, the remaining families can perform final rites.
Technical investigation: Aircraft data and field evidence will determine cause. Findings are likely months away but will inform global Dreamliner safety reviews.
Policy changes: DGCA and Air India may revise safety protocols, pilot training, and maintenance standards following findings.
Support and compensation: From Tata, state, and central funds, financial and psychological aid will continue. Host family support networks and counselling services remain active.

The Ahmedabad plane disaster is an immense human tragedy compounded by the challenge of identifying victims amid horror. But as of June 19, 2025, progress has been made:

Approximately 215 DNA identifications confirmed.
Around 198 bodies released for last rites.
Dozens of families are still in limbo as DNA work continues.

While investigators seek answers, families await closure—hoping shortly to bid their loved ones farewell with dignity.

The Ahmedabad crash reminds us that aviation safety remains fragile and that disaster can strike suddenly. Yet amid devastation, families and first responders show extraordinary courage—and the DNA identification process, painstaking and somber, brings a measure of respect and relief to those grieving.

My thoughts are with all affected. Please let me know if you’d like a breakdown of the investigative timeline, survivor interviews, compensation insights, or next‑steps analysis.

Ahmedabad plane crash: 215 DNA samples matched, 198 bodies handed to their families