Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Identification of Victims and Family Repatriation Updates

In the aftermath of the tragic Air India plane crash, Dr. Rakesh Joshi has reported that DNA testing has confirmed the identities of 211 victims, with 189 bodies returned to their families. As families await closure, the government and health officials are working diligently to support them and ensure transparency in the ongoing investigation. The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff on June 13, 2024, has raised significant concerns regarding flight safety and maintenance protocols. This article provides a detailed update on the situation and the efforts being made to assist the grieving families.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 19, 2025, 14:26 IST

Updates on the Air India Plane Crash Victims

In a press conference held on the morning of June 19, 2024, Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Superintendent of Civil Hospital Ahmedabad, provided significant updates regarding the tragic Air India plane crash. According to Dr. Joshi, DNA testing has confirmed the identities of 211 deceased individuals, with 189 bodies already returned to their families.

Dr. Joshi mentioned that eight families are expected to arrive soon to collect the remains of their loved ones, while two more families will come tomorrow. Additionally, 11 families are still awaiting DNA results for their relatives who were on the ill-fated flight. Among the 189 repatriated victims, 142 were Indian nationals, 32 were British, 7 hailed from Portugal, 1 was Canadian, and 7 were non-passengers.

Providing a detailed breakdown by district, Dr. Joshi reported the following numbers of deceased whose bodies have been released: 7 from Udaipur, 20 from Vadodara, 10 from Kheda, 55 from Ahmedabad, 6 from Mehsana, 1 from Botad, 1 from Jodhpur, 2 from Aravalli, 16 from Anand, 5 from Bharuch, 11 from Surat, 1 from Patan, 6 from Gandhinagar, 2 from Maharashtra, 14 from Diu, 1 from Junagadh, 2 from Amreli, 5 from Gir Somnath, 1 from Mahisagar, 1 from Bhavnagar, 1 from Patna, 3 from Rajkot, 9 from Mumbai, 1 from Nadiad, 2 from Jamnagar, 2 from Dwarka, 1 from Sabarkantha, 2 from London, and 1 from Nagaland.

He emphasized that the DNA matching process is highly sensitive and requires meticulous legal and scientific procedures, which are being conducted with utmost seriousness and urgency. Dr. Joshi noted that teams from Forensic Science University, along with the state government and health department, are collaborating to ensure that the remains are returned to the grieving families in a respectful and timely manner.

The tragic incident dates back to June 13, 2024, when an Air India passenger aircraft, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff in the Meghani Nagar residential area. Reports indicate that the flight had over 240 passengers and crew members. The severity of the crash necessitated a large-scale rescue and identification operation, with DNA testing being the primary method for identification due to the extent of the damage and subsequent fire.

This accident has raised serious concerns regarding aircraft maintenance, flight safety, and emergency preparedness. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an official investigation into the crash and has enlisted foreign aviation experts to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences.

The nation continues to feel the impact of this tragic event as families mourn and seek closure. Government and health officials are actively engaged in supporting the victims' families and ensuring transparency throughout the investigation process.