Air India crash victims charred beyond recognition, families await DNA test results
Scenes of anguish and heartbreak continued to unfold at the BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad on Saturday, as desperate families searched for their loved ones, three days after the devastating Air India crash that claimed the lives of all but one on board.So far, at least 270 bodies have been recovered, including 242 from the ill-fated London-bound flight. Most of the victims were charred beyond recognition, leaving grief-stricken relatives with no choice but to rely on clues, clothing, ornaments, or distinguishing features, to help officials identify the remains.advertisementDNA testing is the only reliable method of confirmation, and the painstaking process is still underway. Over 230 DNA samples have already been collected at BJ Medical College, with six more taken on Saturday morning. Officials said families would be informed once DNA test results confirm the identities.
For the bereaved families, the unbearable loss is only compounded by the agonising wait to reclaim the remains of their loved ones. So far, only six bodies have been handed over following identification.'We've been told to wait 72 hours for the DNA results to come,' said a relative of one of the flight's crew members, speaking to news agency PTI.Under a single-window system set up for the families, officials said a death certificate would be issued along with the body once the identification process is complete.advertisementThe Boeing 787 Dreamliner (AI 171), carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel and canteen complex in Meghaninagar just moments after taking off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon.As news of the crash spread, frantic relatives tried calling their loved ones, clinging to hope. Many rushed to Ahmedabad, from across India and even from abroad, praying for a miracle. But reality was not in their favour.Tune InMust Watch
IN THIS STORY#Ahmedabad Plane Crash
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