In one of India’s worst aviation tragedies in recent history, 241 of the 242 people onboard the Air India AI-171 flight died after the aircraft crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner collided with a hostel complex at BJ Medical College, resulting in a catastrophic fire and widespread destruction.
DNA Identification and Handing Over of Bodies
According to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr. Rakesh Joshi, DNA matches have confirmed the identities of 215 victims. So far, the mortal remains of 198 deceased have been handed over to their respective families. Among them:
- 149 were Indian nationals
- 32 British nationals
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- 1 Canadian national
183 bodies were transported to their home states or countries via ambulances, while 15 were flown out by air.
Police Update on Identification
Earlier, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik stated that 222 victims had been identified — 214 through DNA testing and 8 via alternative methods, possibly personal belongings or visual identification.
Lone Survivor: A Story of Tragedy and Survival
The tragedy had only one survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national who was seated in 11A. He miraculously survived the crash and was discharged from Ahmedabad Civil Hospital a week later. On June 18, he traveled to Diu to perform the last rites of his brother Ajay, who also died in the crash.
Ajay’s body was identified via DNA testing. In an emotional moment, Vishwash carried his brother’s ashes to the cremation ground. Recalling the crash, he told PTI:
“When I saw that the door of the plane was broken, I told myself that I can try and get out. Eventually, I came out of the plane.”
The Crash
The ill-fated flight was en route to London when it lost control shortly after takeoff and slammed into the BJ Medical College hostel premises. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash, including possible mechanical failure or pilot error.
National and International Condolences
The Indian government has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, with tributes pouring in from around the world. Air India, DGCA, and international aviation bodies are involved in the ongoing probe.
This tragedy has reignited conversations about aviation safety standards, emergency response times, and the critical importance of advanced evacuation training and infrastructure preparedness.
