What Happened in Ahmedabad Plane Crash? Three More Bodies Recovered, Toll Climbs to 270

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Three more bodies recovered from wreckage.
- Death toll has risen to 270.
- Identification process involves DNA matching.
- Frustration among families due to delays.
- Former Chief Minister among passengers.
Ahmedabad, June 15 (NationPress) The search and recovery efforts continue in the tragic aftermath of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, with the discovery of three additional bodies, including that of a young woman presumed to be a member of the flight crew. This body was retrieved from the tail section of the wreckage, which had come down in the vicinity of the BJ Medical College mess area, with the assistance of iron cutters.
Furthermore, two other charred bodies were uncovered from the debris scattered on the nearby rooftops.
Authorities suspect that the young woman found in the tail section belonged to the Air India cabin crew. Her remains are currently undergoing identification through a process that includes DNA matching and the examination of personal belongings discovered at the crash site. Families of the crew members have been notified and are being invited for identification.
With these recoveries, the official death toll from the Ahmedabad plane crash has now tragically increased to 270.
However, officials caution that this number may rise as there are still several passengers unaccounted for. At a press conference, Additional Superintendent of Civil Hospital, Rajnish Patel, confirmed that DNA samples from 31 deceased passengers have been matched successfully so far. Of these, 12 bodies have already been returned to grieving families for their final rites.
The process of DNA identification poses challenges due to the extreme heat from the crash, which has severely damaged biological samples. Over 36 forensic specialists are working tirelessly, employing scientific techniques to match the DNA of the deceased with samples obtained from their relatives.
Officials have stated that each sample undergoes rigorous verification, and in some cases, the analysis has to be repeated due to inadequate DNA material. The identification process can take up to 72 hours, based on the condition of the remains.
In the meantime, tensions escalated at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital as relatives of the victims demanded a faster return of bodies. Frustrated families expressed their concerns regarding the delays, with some urging officials to bring in additional medical staff from other regions or states if necessary. “We empathize with your sorrow, but DNA matching is essential,” hospital staff clarified. “We can only release the bodies after completing the forensic procedure, and this takes time.”
Preparations are in progress in Rajkot for the final rites of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was among the passengers on board. After DNA verification, his family is expected to travel from Gandhinagar to Rajkot for the funeral. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Purushottam Rupala visited the Rupani residence again on Sunday to offer his condolences to the grieving family.