Air India Crash: Families Demand Remains Return
- Ahmedabad, India – The agonizing wait continues for families of the victims of Thursday's Air India crash, as they grapple with the slow process of identifying remains through...
- "My 72 hours are over, but I've not heard from them so far," Ali said from Ahmedabad, where relatives have gathered.the crash claimed the lives of all but...
- Health officials acknowledge the DNA matching process is lengthy; only 47 victims had been identified as of this evening.
Families are facing a prolonged ordeal in Ahmedabad as thay await the return of their loved ones’ remains from the Air India crash, undergoing the painful process of DNA matching. The families express mounting frustration with Air India’s response and the lack of immediate support in the face of this tragedy. While financial aid has been announced, some families report a lack of contact from the airline, intensifying their grief.The airline’s role in providing timely assistance is under intense scrutiny, leaving many struggling with the complexities of identification and the aftermath. news Directory 3 is closely monitoring these developments. Discover what’s next for these families and the inquiry.
Grief-Stricken Families Await Remains, Question Air India’s Response Role
Updated June 15, 2025
Ahmedabad, India – The agonizing wait continues for families of the victims of Thursday’s Air India crash, as they grapple with the slow process of identifying remains through DNA matching. Imtiyaz Ali, who provided a DNA sample more than three days ago, is among those anxiously awaiting news of his brother.
“My 72 hours are over, but I’ve not heard from them so far,” Ali said from Ahmedabad, where relatives have gathered.the crash claimed the lives of all but one of the 242 people aboard, along with at least 38 residents in the impacted area.
Health officials acknowledge the DNA matching process is lengthy; only 47 victims had been identified as of this evening. While understanding the complexities, Ali expressed greater frustration with Air India’s perceived lack of immediate support. He believes the airline should have swiftly provided resources and assistance with paperwork in the hours following the tragedy.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson stated in a video message that over 200 trained caregivers are in place, each family assigned dedicated assistance. The airline, when asked to comment on the families’ criticisms, referred to earlier statements regarding their response.
Rinal Christian,whose brother Lawrence Christian was on the flight,said her family has been repeatedly visiting the hospital,only to be told to wait. ”They said it woudl take 48 hours. But it’s been four days and we haven’t received any response,” the 23-year-old said. Lawrence, who lived in London, was traveling from London to Ahmedabad after his father’s death. His sister now worries about the family’s future, as he was the sole provider.
Air India and Tata Group have announced financial aid of $146,000 for each family. However, Christian said she has not yet heard from the airline regarding this assistance. The airline’s role in providing immediate support is under scrutiny.
Amidst the collective mourning, Suresh Patni, a driver, faces the agonizing task of concealing his son’s death from his wife, who was severely injured when the plane struck near her tea stall. “She won’t be able to handle it… I’ve already lost one, I can’t risk losing her too,” he said, while awaiting news of his son’s remains.
“With Air India, the next day after this accident they should have appointed whoever they needed to ensure everything is available to us,” such as help with paperwork, Ali said.
What’s next
Families will continue to await updates from health officials regarding the identification of remains. The focus remains on providing support and closure to those affected by the devastating Air India crash.