Air India Plane Crash: Over 40 Victims Identified by DNA as Investigation into Tragedy Continues

In a solemn and painstaking process, authorities at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital have identified the mortal remains of over 40 victims of the recent Air India plane crash through DNA profiling. As of Sunday, June 15, 2025, 47 victims have been positively identified, with 24 bodies already handed over to grieving families. The airline has confirmed that it has established contact with the next of kin of all passengers and crew members, with over 400 family members having reached Ahmedabad to assist with the identification process and receive their loved ones. The tragic Air India plane crash, which occurred recently, sent shockwaves across India and the international aviation community. While the exact cause of the accident remains under rigorous investigation, preliminary reports have indicated potential mechanical failures and challenging weather conditions at the time of the incident. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and an international team of aviation safety experts are meticulously examining the flight recorders (black boxes), aircraft debris, and witness testimonies to piece together the sequence of events that led to the catastrophe. The process of identifying victims has been particularly challenging due to the severity of the impact. DNA profiling has proven to be an indispensable tool in this difficult task, providing definitive identification in cases where visual recognition or other methods are not possible. The medical teams at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital have been working tirelessly, coordinating with forensic experts and local authorities to expedite the process while maintaining accuracy and sensitivity. Among the identified victims are four MBBS students, whose deaths have cast a pall of gloom over their respective medical institutions. The tragic loss of young lives, aspiring to serve in the medical field, has been deeply felt across the nation. The ongoing efforts to identify all victims underscore the commitment to providing closure for the families affected by this devastating incident. In related aviation news, a Chennai-bound British Airways flight operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner recently returned to London Heathrow mid-flight due to a 'technical issue.' While British Airways stated it was a 'standard precaution,' the incident highlights broader concerns about aviation safety and maintenance in a period of increased air travel. Separately, an IndiGo Airbus A320 aircraft reportedly scraped its tail against a runway during a Hyderabad-Chennai flight. Though IndiGo denied a 'tail strike,' the aircraft has remained grounded since the incident, signaling an ongoing investigation into potential operational issues. The Air India crash investigation is expected to be a lengthy and complex process, with findings potentially leading to significant changes in aviation safety protocols and aircraft maintenance standards. Authorities are emphasizing transparency and thoroughness to ensure that lessons are learned from this tragedy and measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. The nation continues to mourn the victims, while awaiting definitive answers from the ongoing investigation.