In one of the most devastating aviation disasters in India’s recent history, the Air India AI-171 crash near Ahmedabad claimed the lives of 241 individuals out of 242 on board. The only survivor, 40-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, has shared his heartbreaking experience and journey of loss. As authorities work tirelessly to bring closure to grieving families, the critical update is that DNA results allow 198 victims to be laid to rest.
The Tragedy Unfolds
On June 12, a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flight AI-171 departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. Mere moments after takeoff, the aircraft lost altitude and veered off-course, crashing into the hostel complex of BJ Medical College. The crash led to a catastrophic loss of life and widespread devastation at the crash site.
The horrifying incident left the nation in shock, with emergency services rushing to respond. Medical teams, fire brigades, disaster response units, and volunteers collaborated in rescue operations that spanned several days. The extensive fire and debris made victim identification especially challenging, requiring the implementation of advanced forensic methods.
DNA Identification Becomes the Key
The scale of the disaster made visual identification of the deceased impossible in most cases. The Gujarat government, in coordination with central agencies, launched a massive DNA identification drive. As confirmed by Ahmedabad Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr. Rakesh Joshi on June 20, DNA results allow 198 victims to be laid to rest, giving some peace to grieving families.
Joshi stated, “We have successfully matched 215 DNA samples, out of which the mortal remains of 198 deceased have been handed over to their families. Among these, 149 are Indian nationals, seven Portuguese, 32 British citizens, and one Canadian.”
This development represents not just a scientific breakthrough, but also a compassionate response to an unimaginable human tragedy. DNA results allow 198 victims to be laid to rest, ensuring respectful closure for those affected.
Dispatch of Mortal Remains
Logistics surrounding the handover of mortal remains were handled with solemn care. A total of 183 victims’ bodies were transported by road in ambulances, while 15 were flown to their destinations by air. The repatriation was coordinated across multiple jurisdictions to accommodate the international nature of the passengers.
Civil and law enforcement authorities worked around the clock to ensure the process was conducted with dignity. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik added that a total of 222 victims had been positively identified—214 through DNA testing and 8 through alternative methods such as dental records and personal effects.
Still, DNA results allow 198 victims to be laid to rest, marking a significant benchmark in the identification and repatriation process. These efforts reflect India’s commitment to international standards of disaster victim identification.
Survivor’s Story: A Glimmer of Life Amid Tragedy
The lone survivor of the crash, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, has become a symbol of resilience and tragedy. Seated in 11A on the ill-fated flight, Ramesh recounted how he managed to escape the wreckage by unbuckling himself and finding a broken emergency exit.
“When I saw the door was broken, I told myself I had to try and get out. Eventually, I came out of the plane,” he recalled in a tearful interview. A week after being discharged from Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital, he performed the last rites of his brother Ajay, whose body was identified through DNA testing.
His story underscores the emotional toll of the tragedy. While DNA results allow 198 victims to be laid to rest, survivors like Ramesh carry deep emotional scars that will take far longer to heal.
International Cooperation and Grief
Given the diverse nationalities on board, the Air India AI-171 crash has also become an international tragedy. The presence of 32 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian among the dead required cooperation between Indian and foreign embassies.
This complex operation saw diplomats, international police agencies, and forensic teams coordinate across borders. Still, the unifying message remains: DNA results allow 198 victims to be laid to rest, emphasizing the importance of science and collaboration in the face of disaster.
A Community in Mourning
Ahmedabad and its surrounding communities have come together in grief. Candlelight vigils, prayer meetings, and community support centers have sprung up across Gujarat. Grief counselors and mental health professionals have been deployed to help relatives cope with their loss.
Each announcement that DNA results allow 198 victims to be laid to rest is both a moment of closure and a renewed wave of sorrow for many families. As one bereaved father told ANI, “We waited, prayed, and finally got confirmation through DNA. Now we can say goodbye.”
Lessons and Questions
While investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, preliminary findings suggest mechanical failure shortly after takeoff. The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is collaborating with Boeing and international safety experts to conduct a thorough probe.
The incident has also raised serious concerns over aircraft maintenance, pre-flight checks, and airport safety protocols. Aviation authorities are now re-evaluating inspection regimes for Dreamliner aircraft across India.
Yet, amidst the technical scrutiny and bureaucratic procedures, the human aspect remains at the forefront. DNA results allow 198 victims to be laid to rest, but the questions about how such a tragedy occurred—and how future ones can be prevented—persist.
Looking Ahead
As the nation processes the magnitude of this loss, attention is shifting to support mechanisms for the bereaved. The government has announced financial compensation and is working with insurers to expedite claims for both domestic and international passengers.
Meanwhile, efforts to identify the remaining victims continue. As new DNA results come in, more families hope to find closure. The message remains consistent and solemn: DNA results allow 198 victims to be laid to rest, and many more await the same certainty.
Conclusion
The crash of Air India AI-171 is a tragedy that will be remembered for years. But within this immense sorrow, the efforts of scientists, doctors, civil servants, and families shine through. DNA results allow 198 victims to be laid to rest, providing a small but significant relief amid an ocean of grief.
As India mourns, the resilience and compassion shown during these weeks stand as a tribute to those who were lost—and to those who worked to bring them home.