Key Points

Authorities have confirmed 163 DNA matches from the Air India crash, with 124 bodies already returned to families. Hospital officials expect to hand over 21 more remains by Wednesday while legal issues delay four cases. A counselling centre with psychiatrists was set up to support grieving relatives amid the chaotic aftermath. The crash killed 241 people, including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, when the plane hit a medical college hostel.

Key Points: Air India crash DNA matches confirm 163 victims as 124 bodies returned

  • 163 DNA matches confirmed from Air India crash victims
  • 124 bodies returned, 21 more by Wednesday
  • 9 patients remain hospitalized, 2 post-admission deaths
  • Counselling centre set up with psychiatrists for grieving families
3 min read

Air India crash: 163 DNA matches confirmed so far; 124 bodies handed over

163 DNA matches confirmed in Air India crash with 124 bodies handed to families, 21 more to be returned by Wednesday amid ongoing legal and emotional challenges.

"Till 5.45 pm today, 163 DNA samples have matched... mortal remains of 124 deceased handed over - Rakesh Joshi, Ahmedabad Civil Hospital"

Ahmedabad, June 17

Ahmedabad Civil Hospital Superintendent Rakesh Joshi on Tuesday reported that a total of 163 DNA samples have been matched from the tragic London-bound Air India plane crash as of 5:45 pm today, with 124 mortal remains of the victims handed over to their families.

During a press conference, Joshi provided a detailed account of the count, noting that out of the remaining 39 of the 163 matched victims, mortal remains of 21 deceased will be handed over to their families by Wednesday morning and remains of two deceased are in the process of being handed over.

He stated that more than 12 families were waiting for the results, and the handing over of four dead bodies is on hold due to some legal issues.

"Till 5.45 pm today, 163 DNA samples have matched. Following which mortal remains of 124 deceased have been handed over to their families... Out of the remaining 39, the mortal remains of 21 deceased will be handed over to their families by morning. Mortal remains of two deceased are in the process of being handed over. 12 families are waiting for the results... Handing over of four dead bodies is on hold due to some legal issues," Joshi stated.

He further stated that on the day of the crash, 71 injured individuals were admitted to the Civil Hospital, with 42 subsequently discharged and currently, nine patients remain admitted, while two succumbed to their injuries after admission.

"On the day of the crash, 71 injured people were admitted to the Civil Hospital. Out of them, 42 have been discharged. As of now, nine patients are admitted. Two people had passed away after they were admitted," he added.

Meanwhile, the Regional Commissioner of Municipalities of Ahmedabad, Prashant Jilova, detailed the DNA sampling process, stating that five tables with five to six microbiologists and health team members were set up, tasked with the collection of the DNA samples.

He highlighted the challenges posed by the large crowd and panicked situation on the day of the incident, prompting the establishment of a counselling centre with eight to ten psychiatrists to support the affected individuals.

"Arrangements were made for DNA sampling for all relatives and family members. Five tables were set up with microbiologists and health teams, with around 5-6 members at each table collecting DNA samples. It took approximately one minute per sample, so the process was very smooth, and full care was taken to ensure people did not face any discomfort. At that time when the relatives or family members were coming in, there was a large crowd and a panicked situation was created," he stated.

"Therefore, we also set up a counselling centre, where eight to ten psychiatrists were present to comfort and support the affected people... On the day of the incident, around 700-800 people were present here, and full arrangements were made for them. The DNA sampling centre has been set up at Kasauti Bhavan, and people can come here anytime to provide their samples," Jilova.

On June 12, the London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft crashed into a hostel complex of the BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area of Gujarat's Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 241 passengers and crew out of 242 onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Heartbreaking tragedy 😢 The DNA matching process seems well organized but I can't imagine the pain of families waiting. Hope the remaining matches are completed soon and all legal issues resolved. Authorities should provide long-term counseling support, not just immediate help.
R
Rahul S.
The speed of DNA matching is impressive given the scale of tragedy. But why were there legal issues holding up 4 bodies? Transparency is crucial in such cases. My deepest condolences to all affected families. This accident should make aviation authorities review all safety protocols.
A
Anjali M.
The counseling center with psychiatrists was a thoughtful initiative. Mental health support is often neglected in our country during disasters. Hope the 9 remaining patients recover soon. 🙏 The medical staff deserves appreciation for working under such difficult circumstances.
V
Vikram P.
While the DNA process seems efficient, I'm concerned about the crowd management mentioned. In such tragedies, proper queues and systems prevent additional trauma. Authorities should learn from this for future emergencies. The victims included people from all walks of life - a true national loss.
S
Sunita R.
Such a devastating incident. The mention of former CM Rupani among victims shows tragedy doesn't discriminate. Hope the investigation reveals what went wrong - was it technical failure or human error? Airlines must prioritize safety over everything else. My heart goes out to all grieving families.
K
Karan D.
The numbers are staggering - only 1 survivor out of 242. The medical teams and forensic experts are doing commendable work in these difficult conditions. But we need answers - how did a plane crash into a college hostel? This calls for complete overhaul of airport safety zones in India.

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