Following the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, the Gujarat government has announced a day of state mourning in honor of former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The funeral service for Rupani will be held in Rajkot on Monday. The state government’s directive includes flying the national flag at half-mast on all official buildings and suspending all official entertainment for the day. Rupani’s body was identified through DNA testing, and the remains have been released to his family.
Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi confirmed that DNA testing had helped identify the bodies of 86 victims of the crash. The process of DNA identification is still underway. The DNA tests were necessary due to the severe condition of many of the bodies, which were either severely burned or otherwise beyond recognition. Authorities formed at least 230 teams to assist and coordinate with the families affected by the tragedy.
The London-bound Air India Flight 171 crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon. The crash resulted in 270 fatalities. The aircraft carried 242 people, including 230 passengers, 10 crew members, and 2 pilots. The flight was destined for Gatwick airport in London. Former CM Rupani, as per his business class ticket, was traveling to the UK to visit his daughter.
A British national of Indian origin, who was a passenger in seat 11A, miraculously survived the crash and is recovering in hospital. The crash claimed the lives of 241 passengers and 29 people on the ground. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) recovered the Air India plane’s black box, 28 hours after the incident. Information from the orange box, found near the back of the plane, will be used in the investigation. Air India continues to express its deep sorrow for those who lost their lives on Flight AI171.
Air India has established contact with the next of kin and relatives of all passengers and crew members, extending condolences and providing support. Over 400 family members have arrived in Ahmedabad and are being assisted by on-site teams. Each family in Ahmedabad has been assigned a caregiver. Air India is collaborating with other Tata Group companies to provide all possible aid to the bereaved families. Air India is also working closely with the authorities for the handover of remains and assisting with repatriation where needed. Assistance centers are available at Ahmedabad and Mumbai airports.