192 Ambulances And Mortuary Vans On Standby Outside Civil Hospital As Families Await Victims’ Bodies In Ahmedabad Plane Crash

Ahmedabad: Nearly 192 ambulances and mortuary vans have been stationed outside Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, with drivers placed on high alert, as authorities continue the post-mortem and DNA identification process following Thursday’s devastating plane crash.

Though several hours have passed since the crash, grieving families remain outside the hospital, waiting for official confirmation and the handover of their loved ones’ remains. Officials have begun releasing identified bodies, but the majority are still undergoing forensic procedures.

The Gujarat government has mobilized transport and emergency medical vehicle, including ICU-on-wheel, from multiple districts to support the ongoing efforts. Drivers have been instructed to keep their vehicles ready for immediate dispatch. Eight victims were identified and their bodies handed over to relatives.

So far, DNA samples have been collected from 230 individuals. Post-mortem examinations have been completed on 270 bodies, but only eight have been matched and officially released. Among the deceased are four MBBS students who were living in a nearby hostel at the time of the crash.

Rishabh Rupani, son of the late former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, arrived in Ahmedabad early Friday and later visited his family residence in Gandhinagar.

Health Minister Rushikesh Patel conducted an inspection of the cold storage unit where the bodies are being kept and later chaired a second high-level review meeting at the Civil Hospital. All remains will be released only after DNA verification. Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi assured that the process is being expedited. A team of 36 forensic experts has been working round the clock for three days, while staff at the National Forensic Sciences University continue operating in emergency mode.

The crash occurred on June 12 at 1:38 PM, when Air India Flight AI-171 took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad en route to London. Just two minutes into the flight, the aircraft’s rear collided near the IGP compound in Meghaninagar’s Ghoda Camp area, causing it to crash.

The flight was carrying 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian, and 12 crew members. Tragically, 241 people, both passengers and crew, were confirmed dead. Casualties were also reported on the ground, including individuals in a nearby doctors’ hostel.

Also Read: Hospital Morgue Overwhelmed: 260+ Bodies Strain Civil Hospital’s 36-Capacity Cold Storage