Authorities in Ahmedabad are meticulously working to identify victims of the devastating Air India plane crash that occurred on Thursday, June 12, 2025, near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The accident, which saw the London-bound Air India flight AI171 crash moments after takeoff, claimed a total of 270 lives. These fatalities include all but one of the 242 passengers and crew aboard the aircraft, along with 29 individuals on the ground, among them five MBBS students, as the plane fell within the campus of the state-run B J Medical College in the Meghaninagar area before erupting in flames.

Due to the severe nature of the tragedy, with many bodies burnt beyond recognition or otherwise damaged, DNA testing has become a crucial method for victim identification. As of Saturday, June 14, 2025, the DNA of 11 plane crash victims has been successfully matched with their family members, as confirmed by a senior government doctor at the B J Medical College. Dr. Rajnish Patel, professor of surgery at the institution, highlighted the necessity for a meticulous DNA matching process, underscoring its significant legal and medical implications that prohibit any rushed procedures.

Beyond DNA profiling, eight victims had already been directly identified by their relatives, and their bodies were handed over to their families by the hospital. The sole survivor of the horrific crash, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, who was among the 242 passengers and crew, has been reported as stable and out of danger, according to Dr. Patel.

The vast majority of the victims hailed from Gujarat, specifically from 18 out of the state's 33 districts, in addition to individuals from other Indian states. Efforts are also underway to reach out to the families of 11 foreign nationals who perished in the incident. In recognition of the profound emotional trauma faced by the bereaved families, Gujarat Revenue Secretary Alok Pandey announced that grief counselors would be provided to offer support.

In response to the catastrophic event, the Centre has established a high-level multi-disciplinary panel. This panel, headed by the Union home secretary, has been tasked with thoroughly examining the causes that led to this devastating disaster, aiming to understand the factors contributing to the tragedy.