Air India crash: DNA profiling complete, final death toll stands at 260
The final death toll in the
Air India Flight 171 crash
stands at 260, officials in Gujarat said two weeks after the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed immediately after taking-off from the city's airport.
The death toll of 260 includes 241 passengers and crew aboard the plane and 19 people on the ground. The figure is lower than the earlier estimate of 270 deaths.
Authorities had collected 318 bodies and body parts from the crash site which were sent for DNA testing. The state government has praised the quick identification through DNA testing, adding that it would have taken five to ten days to establish the identities of the individuals a couple of days ago.
Play Video
Pause
Skip Backward
Skip Forward
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
0:00
Loaded
:
0%
0:00
Stream Type
LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
1x
Playback Rate
Chapters
Chapters
Descriptions
descriptions off
, selected
Captions
captions settings
, opens captions settings dialog
captions off
, selected
Audio Track
default
, selected
Picture-in-Picture
Fullscreen
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text
Color
White
Black
Red
Green
Blue
Yellow
Magenta
Cyan
Opacity
Opaque
Semi-Transparent
Text Background
Color
Black
White
Red
Green
Blue
Yellow
Magenta
Cyan
Opacity
Opaque
Semi-Transparent
Transparent
Caption Area Background
Color
Black
White
Red
Green
Blue
Yellow
Magenta
Cyan
Opacity
Transparent
Semi-Transparent
Opaque
Font Size
50%
75%
100%
125%
150%
175%
200%
300%
400%
Text Edge Style
None
Raised
Depressed
Uniform
Drop shadow
Font Family
Proportional Sans-Serif
Monospace Sans-Serif
Proportional Serif
Monospace Serif
Casual
Script
Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values
Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Play War Thunder now for free
War Thunder
Play Now
Undo
Director of Forensic Science, HP Sanghvi, said in a statement released by the state government, "This incident was not just another case for FSL, but a matter of hope and emotion for countless families. That's why all FSL teams from Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Rajkot were immediately mobilized to Gandhinagar to expedite the DNA profiling process and ensure the swift handover of the victims' bodies to their families."
Later on Saturday, state health minister Rushikesh Patel said, "A total of 260 deceased have been identified in the plane crash so far, including 254 through DNA tests and 6 through facial recognition, all of which have been handed over to their families."
Live Events
Among the 260 people, 181 are Indian citizens, seven have been identified as Portuguese, 52 are British nationals, one Canadian and 19 non-passengers.
The Air India flight to London crashed soon after taking off on 12 June from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, destroying portions of a medical college building and bursting into flames.
Among the victims were junior doctors, staff at the hospital complex and people on the street below. One passenger, walked out of the crash after he was thrown further away from the burning wreckage.
The impact of the crash and the inferno that followed meant remains of most victims, except for most of the 19 casualties on the ground, were unrecognisable, requiring officials to seek DNA samples from family members to help make the identification.
Among the 260 deaths, 254 victims were identified through DNA testing and the remaining through facial recognition. The DNA identification process, which typically takes months, was completed in approximately two weeks, experts said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Indian-Origin Woman Slams Lack Of Veg Options At US Work Lunch In Viral Video: 'Walked Out...'
Last Updated: An Indian-origin woman in the US went viral for highlighting the lack of vegetarian options at work lunches. An Indian-origin woman in the US has gone viral for calling out the lack of vegetarian food options at a workplace lunch which she said reflects an indifference toward vegetarianism in the country. In the video, the woman explained that she was told not to bring her own lunch as food would be arranged for everyone. When she arrived at the event 'not a single vegetarian sandwich" was available among the dozens on offer, she said, adding, 'So many thoughtful options like kosher, halal, even gluten-free. I asked, 'Where are the vegetarian sandwiches?' And there was complete silence." She said that someone eventually suggested she 'make" a vegetarian sandwich by removing the meat, sharing, 'That doesn't make me want to eat a vegetarian sandwich. It makes me want to vomit." Calling it a recurring issue in the US, she said vegetarianism often doesn't even register as a dietary preference. She noted, 'Being a vegetarian is not even an afterthought, it's not even a thought", pointing to her experience at gas stations that stock no pre-made vegetarian options. Suggesting a solution, she said, 'How about everything is provided baseline vegetarian, and the meat can be an add-on on the side? Problem solved." While colleagues later offered to get her something to eat, she said it came an hour too late. 'I walked out so disappointed," she said. First Published: June 27, 2025, 18:44 IST
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Snake alert: This common backyard spot is their favorite hiding place—are you at risk?
You step out into your backyard on a warm sunny day, barefoot, coffee in hand, ready to soak up the morning breeze. You take a few lazy steps toward that pile of firewood or the old potted plants you've been meaning to organize… and suddenly, something slithers. Cue the internal scream. Most of us don't think 'snake' when we glance at that innocent-looking pile of leaves or that half-forgotten corner of the garden. But snakes? Oh, they love it. To them, your cluttered backyard is basically a five-star luxury resort. Cozy. Shady. Safe. Full of bugs and rodents for dinner. So where exactly are these sneaky reptiles hiding—and are you unknowingly inviting them in? Let's dig into the snake-y truth. Why snakes love your backyard (more than you do) Snakes aren't out to get you. Seriously. They're not slimy villains waiting to ambush. They're actually shy creatures who just want peace, food, and shelter. Unfortunately, our backyards—especially in the warmer months—offer all three. And contrary to popular belief, snakes don't just hang out in jungles or remote farms. Suburban homes, apartment complexes, even city gardens can attract them. It's all about the hiding spots. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo That pile of firewood If your backyard features a stack of firewood or old logs, ding ding ding, we have a winner. This is snake central. Wood piles are: cool and shaded, full of crevices and gaps, often near the ground, usually undisturbed for weeks (or months). Snakes crawl in, curl up, and stay hidden for hours—or days. They especially love it when you stack wood right next to your house. That gives them easy access indoors if they're feeling adventurous. Tip: Always stack firewood at least 2 feet off the ground and keep it far from your house walls. Leaf piles and garden debris You know that leafy, mulchy corner of your garden you swore you'd clean up last Diwali? Yeah, snakes love that too. It's warm, damp, dark, and crawling with insects, frogs, and rats—the perfect snake buffet. Add a broken pot or two and some tangled garden hose, and you've created a custom snake lounge. Tip: Rake leaves regularly, and don't leave compost or organic trash uncovered. Rock borders and decorative stones That fancy rock border around your flower bed? It might look nice, but it's also a snake's idea of prime real estate. Snakes slip between the stones and stay cool while waiting for a mouse to wander by. Even decorative fountains and frog ponds can become snake hotspots, especially in summer. Tip: Keep landscaping neat, seal cracks in stonework, and trim tall grass or weeds near the borders. Unused items left outside Old tires. Garden boots. A rusted toolbox. That unused grill. Basically, anything that's been sitting outside untouched for weeks becomes a possible snake shelter. One small opening, and a curious snake can slither right in. And yes, that includes your kid's forgotten toy box and your dog's overturned water bowl. Tip: Declutter your backyard! If you're not using it, store it in a sealed shed or get rid of it. Tall grass and overgrown shrubs Snakes are ambush predators. They like to stay hidden until they can strike their prey (usually frogs, lizards, birds, or rodents). Tall grass is the perfect camouflage. If you haven't mowed in weeks or your bushes are growing wild, you're basically laying out a welcome mat for reptiles. Tip: Keep grass short, trim hedges, and clear out overgrown patches regularly—especially in rainy or post-monsoon seasons. Bonus snake magnet: Rodents and insects Here's the real twist: snakes don't show up just for shade—they come for food. If your backyard has a rodent issue, it's only a matter of time before a snake drops by to check things out. And once it finds your yard welcoming, it might just stay. Tip: Keep trash bins tightly closed, seal up holes in fences or walls, and don't leave pet food or birdseed lying around. How to tell if a snake's been hanging around You might not always see the snake, but here are some signs that one's lurking: Shed skin: A papery, transparent snake skin is a sure sign one's living nearby. Slither trails in dusty areas or loose soil. Snake droppings: Gross, but useful. They're dark, smelly, and may contain bits of bone or fur from their last meal. Missing eggs or chicks: If you have a birdhouse or chicken coop, and the eggs suddenly vanish, a snake might be the culprit. What to do if you see a snake Step one: Don't panic. Step two: Don't try to be a hero. Unless you're trained to handle reptiles, don't try to chase, kill, or catch the snake yourself. Most bites happen when people try to 'remove' the snake with a stick or their chappals. Instead: Back away slowly and calmly Keep kids and pets away Call a local snake rescuer or forest department Keep eyes on the snake from a safe distance until help arrives Remember: In many countries, including India, snakes are protected species. Killing them can be illegal and dangerous. How to snake-proof your yard without making it ugly You don't have to turn your backyard into a sterile wasteland to keep snakes out. Here's what works: Install fine mesh fencing around gardens and chicken coops Seal any cracks or holes in outer walls and sheds Use solar-powered snake repellents (they vibrate and annoy snakes away) Avoid waterlogging in any part of the yard Educate kids and domestic helpers on snake-safe habits Respect the snake, protect your space Snakes aren't villains—they're part of the ecosystem and actually help control pests like rats and frogs. But that doesn't mean you want one curled up in your rain boots. The best way to stay safe is to stay alert. Know what snakes love, clean up their favorite hiding spots, and take quick action if you spot one slithering where it shouldn't be. Your backyard should be a haven for you—not a reptile retreat. Reader discretion is advised.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Delhi bird atlas summer survey records 160 species
New Delhi: The Delhi Bird Atlas Summer Survey, which gives a detailed picture of the vibrancy of avian life across the national capital, has concluded after recording 160 species of birds this summer. This includes 21 new sightings for the season, including the Greater Flamingo, Black Bittern, Bonelli's Eagle and the vivid Indian Pitta — a delight for both experienced birders and first-time participants. The data has revealed several patterns, including new seasonal sightings and shifts in distribution — insights that will feed into long-term biodiversity monitoring and conservation planning. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi The species and microhabitats recognised spread across seven clusters and 145 sub-cells. The survey saw over 200 volunteers and 50 teams combing through Delhi's diverse landscapes, from parks and wetlands to scrublands, residential neighbourhoods, airport zones and even crowded city spaces. In total, the survey yielded almost 600 checklists on the eBird application. Earlier, during the winter, experts visited over 145 city areas, forming 580 checklists and marking 200 species. Cumulatively, 221 species have been recorded in summer and winter. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo The summer survey started on May 1. The atlas, a citizen science programme, aims to recognise microhabitats within the city. It is being developed in collaboration with experts and several local birders and organisations, including the Delhi Forest Department, Bird Count India, Delhi Bird Foundation, WWF-India, DIAL, Wildlife SOS, and Asian Adventures. Forest officials said that once the surveys are done across four seasons spanning two years, tech companies working on mapping will be asked to create the map using the overall data. "Such surveys need to be done more often, and the department of wildlife will publish a preliminary report soon from all the data collected by the survey teams. It will not stop here. We plan to organise more bird walks to train more volunteers for the next season. Through such exercises, we also aim to bust myths and help conserve our urban wild," said Shyam Sunder Kandpal, Delhi's chief wildlife warden. "We need more citizen science projects like this one. The data generated will help policymakers make relevant decisions in such a way that it's balanced and considers urban habitats," said Pankaj Gupta, the regional coordinator of NCR for Bird Count India. Birders pointed out that the data collection is a crucial step in building a robust, long-term understanding of Delhi's avian biodiversity. Among the fascinating insights, birders observed the presence of some winter migrant species during the summer, and several resident species that went unrecorded in winter reappeared in this round of surveys. "While we missed a few expected species like the woolly-necked stork and river tern, we gathered valuable data from some of the most overlooked spaces such as slums, drains, and garbage dumps, reminding us that even common birds tell important stories," said Akash Gulalia, senior birder and professor at Delhi University. Birders stated that several lesser-known or previously overlooked green spaces outside the city's protected areas were also found to support vibrant birdlife. "This was far from regular birding — conducted in peak summer across drains, informal settlements, and lesser-known urban pockets. It was physically demanding in Delhi's heat but offered a meaningful opportunity to contribute to structured citizen science and support long-term urban biodiversity monitoring," said Kaushani Banerjee, a Delhi Bird Atlas volunteer.
