Air India crash: DNA samples of 31 victims matched, authorities begin releasing bodies
Authorities have matched the DNA of 31 victims of Air India Flight AI 171, which crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, and have handed over 12 bodies to their families, officials said on Sunday.
Dr. Rajnish Patel, Additional Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, addressed the media from the city's 1,200-bed public hospital, where identification efforts are ongoing. 'The bodies whose DNA samples have been matched are being respectfully handed over to the families,' Dr. Patel said. He did not specify the names of the victims who had been identified.
As of 9 pm on June 14, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi posted an update on social media platform X, stating: 'DNA Matching Progress: 19 DNA samples have been matched so far, confirming the identities of victims. Ongoing Efforts: State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) unit team and National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) team are working through the night to match more DNA samples.'
A statement issued by the Gujarat health department said that for each family receiving the remains of a loved one, a dedicated team of officials has been assigned. This team includes a civilian administrator, a police officer, and a grief counsellor.
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