DNA samples of 135 Air India crash victims identified, 101 bodies handed over

After the deadly AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, DNA samples were collected from the families of the deceased to begin the process of identification. On Tuesday, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel shared on X that as of 10.45 am, a total of 135 DNA matched and contacted 135 relatives. The number of mortal remains released from hospital were 101.

In a latest development given by Dr Rakesh Joshi, Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital, a total of 135 DNA has matched by Tuesday morning and 101 dead bodies have been handed over to the families. Of these, five non-passengers’ bodies were included who can be locals or people present in the premises at the time of crash.

Of the remaining 34, 12 families will be receiving the remains in the next two hours.

A total of 101 dead bodies were sent to– Udaipur (2), Vadodara (13), Kheda (10), Ahmedabad (30), Mehsana (5), Botad (1), Jodhpur (1), Aravalli (2), Anand (9), Bharuch (4), Surat (3), Gandhinagar (5), Maharashtra and Mumbai (4), Diu (4), one each in Junagadh, Amreli, Gir Somnath, Mahisagar, Bhavnagar, Patna, Rajkot and Nadiad.

As many as 12 teams are working in shifts for DNA sampling. Additionally, help desks have been set up to assist legal heirs of the deceased in claiming insurance payouts, with nodal officers appointed for the same.

Over 855 personnel involved in DNA and related operations

Most of the bodies were severely burnt in the crash, necessitating DNA sampling for identification. Twelve teams are working in shifts for DNA matching. Apart from this, counselling is also being provided in coordination with the families of the victims.

More than 855 health personnel, including 100 medical workers stationed at the trauma centre have been deployed for relief operations by the Health Department. These include both regular staff from Civil Hospital and additional personnel brought in to support the ongoing efforts.