Ahmedabad plane crash: DNA samples of 80 victims matched, bodies of 33 handed over to kin

The number of confirmed DNA matches in the Ahmedabad plane crash has reached 80, including that of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Of these, 33 bodies have been handed over to their families, Dr Rajneesh Patel, Additional Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, said on Sunday.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, headed for London, crashed into a hostel complex shortly after taking off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The crash claimed 241 lives, including 229 passengers and 12 crew members. Among those killed was Vijay Rupani, who served as Gujarat’s Chief Minister between 2016 and 2021.

Dr Patel said that families of two more victims were expected to arrive by Monday night, while 13 families had scheduled to collect the remains on Tuesday. In 21 cases, the handover of bodies will take place after further consultations with next of kin.

In the case of 11 victims, their relatives were also among the deceased. These bodies will be released once the remaining DNA matches are completed.

So far, the bodies handed over have been from various parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan: 12 from Ahmedabad, five from Baroda, four each from Mehsana and Anand, two each from Kheda and Bharuch, and one each from Udaipur, Jodhpur, Botad, and Aravalli.

To assist families during the identification and repatriation process, the state government has formed dedicated support teams. Each team comprises a senior administrative officer, a police official, and a professional counsellor. These teams are tasked with offering emotional and logistical support to the grieving families.

Authorities have assured that each body will be handed over with full dignity.

Out of 242 people on board the aircraft, only one — Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin — survived the crash. He is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital.