DNA tests identify 119 victims

Four days after the devastating crash of Air India flight AI-171 claimed 270 lives, authorities confirmed on Monday that the identities of 119 victims have been established through DNA matching, and the remains of 76 have been returned to their families.

- MPOST BUREAU

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London, crashed on June 12 shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft went down near a medical college complex in Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 29 individuals on the ground.

Among those confirmed dead is former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. His remains were handed over to his wife Anjali Rupani and close family members at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.

Authorities are continuing the painstaking process of DNA testing to confirm the identities of the deceased. Many of the bodies were severely charred or damaged in the blaze that followed the crash.

"Till Monday evening, 119 DNA samples have matched. Seventy-six bodies have been handed over to families so far," Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Medical Superintendent at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, told reporters. "The victims belonged to various regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan." Dr. Joshi said the process of DNA profiling for the remaining victims is likely to conclude by Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning. He appealed to families waiting for confirmation to remain patient.

"Some people are anxious because results are taking time.