Ahmedabad: Continuing the process of matching DNA samples and simultaneously handing over the bodies of victims of the Air India crash at Ahmedabad overnight, the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital had by 11.30 am Sunday matched 32 samples.
It also handed over 14 of the bodies so far where the DNA samples of the victims have matched with those of the relatives, Dr. Rajnish Patel, additional medical superintendent of the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, told reporters.
The process of handing over bodies after DNA testing started Saturday, about 48 hours after the plane crash. The hospital has also ordered coffins in bulk began arriving in batches at the its mortuary complex from Saturday afternoon
On Thursday, Air India flight AI-171 crashed within two minutes of taking off on top of a hostel building of the B.J.Medical College. There were 242 people on board, including the crew members. All, but one passenger, a British national of Indian origin, died in the crash.
The next day, the hospital had handed over the bodies of eight victims that could be easily identified to their next of kin. However, most bodies were charred and mutilated beyond recognition, necessitating a DNA test.
The Gujarat government has created a team comprising a government official, a police officer and a grief counsellor for every victim to assist in the process of reclaiming the bodies and taking them back to home.
This report has been updated to reflect latest developments
(Edited by Tony Rai)
Also Read: Gujarat govt establishes contact with family of 11 foreigners killed in Air India crash