Ahmedabad Hospital Transfers Air India AI 171 Crash Victims to Families

The Ahmedabad Civil Hospital has successfully handed over the remains of 256 victims from the tragic Air India AI 171 crash to their grieving families, as reported by medical superintendent Rakesh Joshi. According to Dr. Joshi, 259 victims have been identified, including 240 passengers and 13 non-passengers, through comprehensive DNA analysis.

Dr. Joshi shared that by June 23, a total of 253 DNA sample results had been processed, encompassing both passengers and non-passengers. He noted that on the first day, 19 non-passengers were identified, with 6 bodies returned based on facial recognition and the rest matched through DNA. This brings the total to 259 identified victims. Out of these, 256 bodies have been transferred to families, comprising 180 Indians, 19 non-passengers, 49 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. Of these, 28 were transported by air and 228 by road.

Furthermore, Dr. Joshi confirmed the identification of all 52 British nationals on the ill-fated flight, with 49 already returned to their families. The crash occurred on June 12, when the London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner hit a hostel complex at BJ Medical College in Gujarat's Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff.

In a tragic loss, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among those who perished in the accident. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson reassured the public of the safety of the airline's Boeing 787 fleet after meticulous checks. Wilson emphasized Air India's commitment to supporting victims' families, offering interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh per deceased individual and survivor through a dedicated helpdesk.

(With inputs from agencies.)