A Glimmer of Closure: 83 Crash Victims Identified, Families Begin Painful Journey Home

Ahmedabad, India – In the wake of the devastating flight AI 171 tragedy, a painstaking process of identification and repatriation has brought a fragile sense of closure to dozens of grieving families. As of Monday night, the mortal remains of 83 passengers have been officially handed over to their loved ones, confirmed Gujarat Health Minister Rishikesh Patel via a post on X. This significant step marks a crucial phase in helping families begin the arduous journey of mourning and remembrance.

The relentless efforts of medical and administrative teams have resulted in 125 DNA samples successfully matched with those provided by anxious relatives. Among these, the next of kin for 124 victims have already been contacted, allowing the somber process of handing over remains to commence. Officials at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad worked tirelessly into the late hours of Monday, ensuring the respectful transfer of the departed.

Heartbreakingly, eleven families are grappling with the unimaginable loss of more than one family member in this horrific crash. For these families, the process is particularly complex. An official explained, "In such cases, the DNA match of at least one person is confirmed, while results for other family members may still be pending. To ease their burden, families will receive the mortal remains of all their loved ones together."

The administrative wheels are turning swiftly to facilitate the necessary paperwork. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) officials have already issued 80 death certificates, a vital document for families navigating the aftermath. State Relief Commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey emphasized that all bodies are being handed over with complete documentation, aiming to spare families the added distress of visiting multiple departments. In a compassionate gesture, three-member support teams are accompanying families transporting the mortal remains back to their homes, offering much-needed assistance during this difficult time.

The arrival of relatives for the three foreign nationals who perished in the crash is anticipated on Tuesday, where their blood samples will be collected to expedite DNA matching. Civil Hospital authorities continue to directly inform relatives about positive DNA matches, guiding them through the necessary paperwork before inviting them to the hospital to receive their loved ones. Monday evening saw the poignant scene of over 30 identified passengers being prepared for their final journey home.

The extensive reach of this tragedy is evident in the geographic distribution of the repatriated remains. "So far, mortal remains have been handed over to two families each in Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Within Gujarat, 19 families in Ahmedabad, 11 in Vadodara, five each in Anand and Gandhinagar, four each in Mehsana and Bharuch, three in Kheda, two in Surat, and one each in Botad, Aravalli, Junagadh, Amreli, Mahisagar, Bhavnagar, and Rajkot have received their loved ones," shared an official, highlighting the wide impact of the disaster.

Despite appeals from authorities to await direct calls, many anxious relatives continue to camp at the Civil Hospital, a testament to their profound grief and urgent desire for answers. Their concern for the status of DNA matches and the anticipated timeframes for reports remains palpable. Authorities are diligently explaining the intricate DNA matching procedure to families, aiming to alleviate some of their apprehension during this incredibly challenging period.