Relatives of those killed in the devastating crash of Air India Flight 171 continue to wait in grief for the return of their loved ones’ remains, as officials work to complete DNA identification of victims. The tragedy, which occurred in Ahmedabad on June 12, has claimed 279 lives, making it one of the worst air disasters in recent decades.
Though a few families have already held funerals, many remain in agonizing suspense. One victim’s brother, Rinal Christian, 23, expressed frustration:
“They said it would take 48 hours. But it’s been four days and we haven’t received any response.”
The crash killed nearly 38 people on the ground, in addition to passengers and crew. Authorities have identified 80 victims so far, but the process remains painstakingly slow due to the extensive burns and fragmentation of many of the bodies.
A relative, speaking anonymously to AFP, revealed they were instructed not to open the coffin upon receipt, underscoring the condition of the remains. Witnesses described scenes of charred bodies and scattered wreckage.
Emotional Farewells
Among the dead was Vijay Rupani, a senior politician and former Gujarat chief minister. His flag-draped coffin was honored by military personnel. In a separate ceremony, mourners gathered in Anand district for 24-year-old Kinal Mistry, who had delayed her trip—an act her grieving father, Suresh, said could have saved her life had she left earlier.
“She would have been alive,” he said in anguish.
The lone survivor, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, escaped the wreckage. His brother, also on the flight, did not survive.
Cause Still Unknown
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner erupted in flames shortly after takeoff, crashing into a residential area housing medical staff. The exact cause remains undetermined. Investigators have recovered both black boxes, including the cockpit voice recorder, and hope they will shed light on the disaster.
Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said the flight data recorder might “give an in-depth insight” into what went wrong.
The crash has prompted mandatory inspections of Air India’s entire fleet of Dreamliners. On Monday, one such aircraft made an unscheduled return to Hong Kong airport after the crew requested a local standby.
Passengers From Four Countries
Air India reported that the aircraft carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, one Canadian, and 12 crew members.
As families wait for answers and funerals continue, many say the airline’s response has been slow and inadequate.
“I’m disappointed in them. It is their duty,” said Imtiyaz Ali, whose brother remains unidentified.
Calls are growing louder for clarity and accountability.
“Next step is to find out the reason for this accident,” Ali added. “We need to know.”
