Ahmedabad, June 13 (IANS): Authorities at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital are continuing efforts to identify victims of the Air India Flight AI-171 crash, with five bodies handed over to their respective families so far. The identified victims include two from Rajasthan, two from Bhavnagar, and one from Madhya Pradesh.
Civil Hospital officials confirmed that DNA samples have been collected from 192 families to aid in the identification process. More than 250 post-mortem examinations have already been completed, with efforts ongoing around the clock.
A dedicated team of 70 to 80 doctors, including medical professionals from PHCs and CHCs in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Anand, and Nadiad, has been deployed to support the post-mortem work since Thursday.
To streamline the collection and matching of DNA samples, the state government has set up a special facility at Kasoti Bhavan on the ground floor of B.J. Medical College. Health Principal Secretary Dhananjay Dwivedi stated that samples are being collected primarily from immediate relatives, such as parents and children, and sent for analysis. The matching process is expected to take at least three days.
Officials are providing emotional and logistical support to grieving families, ensuring that procedures are conducted with respect and care. To assist the public, the Civil Hospital has released helpline numbers: 6357373831 and 6357373841.
Additionally, the State Emergency Operations Centre has activated a control room to support families. Assistance is available via the numbers: 079-23251900 and 9978405304.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ahmedabad Civil Hospital to meet survivors and offer condolences to the families of the deceased. He was received by Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr. Rakesh Joshi, who briefed him on the condition of the injured and the ongoing medical efforts.
PM Modi also met with Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the crash, along with other patients, offering them words of encouragement and assuring them of the government’s complete support. He spent time with mourning families, expressing solidarity and extending heartfelt sympathies amid the unfolding tragedy.
