AHMEDABAD, June 22 — Authorities have identified 251 of the 270 victims killed in the June 12 plane crash in Ahmedabad through DNA analysis, and 245 bodies have been handed over to their families, officials said on Sunday.
The London-bound aircraft crashed into a hostel complex in Meghaninagar shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 p.m., erupting into flames upon impact. Of the 270 people who perished, 241 were on board; one passenger survived.
Dr. Rakesh Joshi, medical superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, confirmed that 245 bodies—including 176 Indians, 49 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, one Canadian, and 12 non-passengers—have been returned to their families following identification.
“DNA testing remains the most reliable method in this case, as many bodies were charred beyond recognition,” Dr. Joshi said. “The process is extremely sensitive and legally complex, but we are working with urgency and care.”
The victims include 70 residents of Ahmedabad, 24 from Vadodara, 26 from Anand, and 11 from Kheda district. Others identified so far hail from Rajasthan, Manipur, Nagaland, Maharashtra, Diu, and Bihar.
Officials said DNA matching is being conducted in coordination with the Forensic Science University, along with various local and state agencies. “The administration is committed to ensuring that mortal remains are respectfully and promptly returned,” Dr. Joshi added.
On Saturday, authorities reached out to the families of eight victims, requesting DNA samples from additional relatives after initial submissions failed to produce matches.
Efforts continue to identify the remaining 19 victims, as the city copes with one of the worst aviation disasters in India’s recent history.
