A Devastating Tragedy Strikes Ahmedabad
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, tragically crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft lost altitude and collided with a hostel building of B.J. Medical College, resulting in the deaths of 241 individuals on board and at least 29 people on the ground. Only one passenger, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived the ordeal and is currently recovering in a hospital.
The Challenging Process of Victim Identification
In the aftermath of the crash, the identification of victims has been a challenging and emotionally taxing process. The severity of the crash left many bodies severely charred, making visual identification impossible. To assist in the identification process, authorities have been collecting DNA samples from the victims’ relatives. As of June 14, over 200 family members had provided their DNA samples at Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital, hoping for a match that would confirm the identity of their loved ones.
Progress in DNA Matching
As of Saturday, June 14, 2025, authorities have successfully matched the DNA samples of 11 victims with their respective family members, a government doctor confirmed. This development allows for the bodies to be formally identified and subsequently handed over to their next of kin. The process of DNA matching is a crucial step in providing closure to the families affected by the disaster. Authorities continue their efforts to identify the remaining victims and support those impacted by the incident.
Emotional Scenes at Civil Hospital
The atmosphere outside Civil Hospital was thick with grief. Families sat in rows, some clutching photographs of their loved ones, others staring blankly ahead, waiting for any news. Inside the hospital, forensic teams worked tirelessly, using dental records and other available clues to identify the remains. The process continued through the night, with the hope that each sample brought them closer to providing answers to the grieving families.
Personal Stories of Loss
Among the victims was a British family of four: Mariam Ali Syed, her husband Javed, and their children Zayn and Amani. The family was returning from a vacation when the tragedy struck. Relatives have criticized the British Foreign Office for its lack of support, particularly in assisting with travel arrangements and providing updates. The family’s grief is compounded by the absence of timely assistance from their own government.
Another poignant story is that of Roshni Songhare, a 26-year-old flight attendant from Mumbai. Coming from a modest background, Roshni had worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming a flight attendant. She had recently been engaged and was looking forward to her wedding in November. Her family, devastated by her loss, travelled to Ahmedabad to provide DNA samples, hoping for confirmation of her fate.
Frustration and Desperation
The identification process has been slow, leading to frustration among the families. One grieving daughter, unable to bear the uncertainty, emotionally stated she would pay a substantial amount to anyone who could bring her father back, reflecting the deep sense of loss and desperation experienced by the victims’ families. The delay in identifying the victims has added to the anguish, as families await the return of their loved ones’ remains for proper last rites.
Investigations and Safety Concerns
The crash has prompted immediate investigations into the cause of the disaster. Indian aviation authorities have recovered the flight data recorder and are examining the aircraft’s systems, including engine function and take-off parameters. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered inspections of all Boeing 787 aircraft operated by Indian carriers to ensure safety standards are met. The investigation is ongoing, with a panel formed to report on the crash within three months.
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