DNA tests identify 80 plane crash victims; 33 bodies handed over

PMO team led by PK Mishra lands in Ahmedabad to monitor rescue, relief work and probe

- DILIP SINGH KSHATRIYA @ Ahmedabad

THREE days after the deadly crash of an Air India flight outside Ahmedabad international airport left more than 270 people dead, authorities have so far identified 80 victims, including former chief minister Vijay Rupani, through DNA testing, and handed over the bodies of 33.

Giving an official update, State Emergency Commissioner Alok Pandey said 33 death certificates had been issued and bodies handed over to the respective families. To support grieving families, 22 special teams have been deployed to help them process insurance claims and avoid financial hardship.

He said contact has been established with families of all 230 passengers, and relatives of remaining three foreign nationals are expected to arrive within the next 36 hours.