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Key Points

Gujarat officials confirm 45 DNA matches from the Air India crash victims, with the death toll now at 274. Former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani's last rites will be held with full state honors in Rajkot tomorrow. The Tata Group has announced Rs 25 lakh interim financial assistance for victims' families. The lone survivor, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, remains hospitalized with injuries.

Key Points: 45 DNA Matched in Air India Crash as Vijay Rupani Funeral Set

  • 45 DNA samples matched from Air India crash victims
  • Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani's funeral with state honors tomorrow
  • Tata offers Rs 25 lakh interim aid to victims' families
  • Lone survivor Vishwashkumar Ramesh undergoing treatment
2 min read

Air India plane crash: 45 DNA matches, Vijay Rupani's last rites in Rajkot tomorrow

Gujarat confirms 45 DNA matches from Air India crash victims as former CM Vijay Rupani's last rites to be held with state honors in Rajkot.

"Till now, 45 DNA samples have matched. Around 274 people have lost their lives in the heart-wrenching incident - Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel"

Gandhinagar, June 15

Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel on Sunday said that the DNA of 45 deceased have been matched with their relatives, and confirmed that the death toll in the Ahmedabad plane crash stands at 274.

The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed and rammed into a doctor's hostel shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12.

"Till now, 45 DNA samples have matched. Around 274 people have lost their lives in the heart-wrenching incident," state's Health Minister said.

He also said that the funeral of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was among the victims, will be held tomorrow with full state honours.

Patel stated, "CM Bhupendra Patel informed Vijay Rupani's family about the DNA samples matching as soon as the information was received... Tomorrow, at 11.30 am, the family will receive Vijay Rupani's mortal remains from the Civil Hospital. The mortal remains will be taken to Rajkot by air and reach there at 2. The funeral will be carried out at 5 pm and the last rites will be completed at 6 pm with state honours."

The state Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) unit and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) team are working to match more DNA samples.

According to Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), HP Sanghavi, DNA examination is critically needed to identify the victims of the tragic crash, citing that the extreme heat from the blaze that erupted after the crash had made the traditional method of identification ineffective.

Air India on Saturday said that an interim financial assistance package of Rs 25 lakh will be provided to the "families of the deceased and to the survivor" of the tragic crash. In a post on X, the Tata-owned airline stated that the package was in addition to the Rs 1 crore support already announced by Tata Sons.

On Thursday, the Air India flight AI171 was en route to London from Ahmedabad when it crashed shortly after takeoff from the airport, ramming into a doctors' hostel of BJ Medical College in Gujarat's Ahmedabad.

There were 242 people on board the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Of the passengers, 241 died in the crash. The lone survivor, identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Heartbreaking tragedy 😢 The DNA matching process shows how seriously authorities are taking victim identification. But why was a residential area so close to the airport runway? This needs investigation. My prayers with all affected families.
R
Rahul S.
The Rs 1.25 crore compensation is substantial but no amount of money can bring back loved ones. Air India must conduct thorough safety audits of all aircraft. As a frequent flyer, this incident has shaken my confidence in aviation safety.
A
Amit P.
The forensic teams deserve appreciation for working tirelessly in such difficult conditions. Vijay Rupani ji's last rites with state honors is fitting - he served Gujarat with dedication. May all souls rest in peace 🙏
S
Sunita M.
That lone survivor's story is nothing short of miraculous! But we must ask - were safety protocols followed properly? So many young doctors also lost their lives in that hostel. Double tragedy for Gujarat.
V
Vikram J.
While compensation is important, what about long-term support for families who lost their breadwinners? Air India should create education funds for victims' children. Also need stricter aircraft maintenance rules - this was a Dreamliner after all!
N
Neha R.
The way Gujarat government is handling this crisis is commendable. From DNA matching to dignified last rites - they're showing sensitivity. But we need answers - was it technical failure or human error? Jai Hind 🇮🇳

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