Air India Crash in Ahmedabad: Death Toll Rises to 275 as DNA Tests Confirm Identities

The tragic Air India Boeing Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad has resulted in the loss of 275 lives. Among these, 241 were passengers on the aircraft, while 34 were individuals on the ground. This official figure was released by the Gujarat Health Department, marking the first time an official death toll has been provided since the incident occurred on June 12.

Authorities had previously refrained from announcing a total death count until DNA matching could confirm identities. The health department has now confirmed that all bodies have been recovered. Of these, 260 have been identified through DNA analysis, and six through facial recognition. The identification process for the remaining bodies continues.

Details of the Victims

The deceased include 120 men, 124 women, and 16 children. So far, families have received 256 bodies. The ill-fated flight was en route to London when it crashed shortly after take-off. It tragically landed on a hostel complex just beyond the airport's perimeter fence.

Only one passenger out of the 242 onboard survived this catastrophic event. The cause of the crash remains unknown as investigations are ongoing. The aircraft's black box is currently under examination to uncover more details about what led to this disaster.

Investigation and Speculation

There have been media reports suggesting potential damage to the black box, with speculation that it might need to be sent abroad for data retrieval. However, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu dismissed these claims as mere speculation.

"The black box is very much in India," he stated, adding that it is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). This investigation aims to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.