Ahmedabad Crash: 31 Victims Identified by DNA; Ex-Gujarat CM Rupani Confirmed Dead
Authorities have identified 31 victims of the Air India Boeing 787-8 (AI171) crash in Ahmedabad using DNA testing, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The London-bound flight crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, killing 241 of 242 on board and 29 on the ground when it hit a medical college campus. As of Sunday, 12 families had claimed mortal remains, with identification processes ongoing for other victims.
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An investigation is underway, focusing on the cause of the crash. Both black boxes have been recovered—one damaged but usable—and are being examined in India with U.S. investigators expected to join. Authorities are analyzing flight data and cockpit recordings to determine what led to the crash shortly after takeoff.
There were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese nationals aboard. Identification is ongoing; so far, 31 victims have been identified through DNA testing, and 12 families have claimed remains. Many victims are yet to be identified due to the severity of the crash.
Air India, owned by Tata Group, will provide ₹1 crore (about $116,000) to the families of each deceased victim and cover medical expenses for the injured. The airline is also arranging relief flights for the next of kin and staff to Ahmedabad.
This is the first fatal incident involving passenger deaths for a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The crash may lead to increased scrutiny of Dreamliner safety, impact public confidence, and prompt regulatory reviews or operational changes pending investigation findings.