Tragic Developments in Ahmedabad Plane Crash: More Bodies Recovered

Search and Recovery Efforts Continue

In Ahmedabad, the ongoing search and recovery operation related to the Air India crash has led to the discovery of three additional bodies, including that of a young woman believed to be a member of the flight crew.

This body was found trapped in the tail section of the aircraft, which had crashed into the mess area of BJ Medical College, and was extracted using iron cutters.

Two more charred bodies were located among the debris on the rooftop nearby.

Authorities suspect that the young woman found in the tail section was part of the Air India cabin crew. Efforts are underway to identify her through DNA matching and personal belongings recovered from the crash site. Families of the crew members have been notified and are being asked to assist in the identification process.

With these recent findings, the confirmed death toll from the Ahmedabad plane crash has now reached 270.

However, officials caution that this number could rise as several passengers are still unaccounted for. During a press briefing, Rajnish Patel, Additional Superintendent of Civil Hospital, stated that DNA samples from 31 deceased passengers have been matched so far, with 12 bodies already returned to their families for final rites.

The identification process is complicated by the extreme heat from the crash, which has severely affected biological samples. A team of over 36 forensic experts is working tirelessly, employing scientific techniques to match the DNA of the deceased with samples from their relatives.

Officials clarified that each sample undergoes multiple verification stages, and in some instances, analyses are repeated due to inadequate DNA material. The identification process can take up to 72 hours, depending on the condition of the remains.

Tensions escalated at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital as relatives of victims expressed their frustration over delays in the release of bodies. Families demanded a faster process, with some suggesting that additional medical personnel be brought in from other districts or states if necessary. Hospital staff responded, "We understand your pain, but DNA matching is essential. Bodies can only be released after the forensic process is complete, which takes time."

Preparations are being made in Rajkot for the last rites of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was among the passengers. Once DNA confirmation is received, his family is expected to travel from Gandhinagar to Rajkot for the funeral. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Purushottam Rupala visited the Rupani residence again on Sunday to offer condolences to the grieving family.