The Gujarat government has announced a day of state mourning in memory of former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who died in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. His funeral will be held in Rajkot on Monday. The state government has directed that the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings, and there will be no official entertainment during the mourning period. Rupani’s remains were identified through DNA testing and given to his family.
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi stated that the bodies of 86 crash victims had been identified through DNA testing, with the process ongoing. DNA testing was essential due to the condition of many of the bodies, which were either severely burned or unrecognizable. Authorities established at least 230 teams to assist the families of those affected by the tragedy.
The Air India Flight 171, en route to London, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon, resulting in 270 fatalities. The flight carried 242 people, including 230 passengers, 10 crew members, and 2 pilots. The aircraft was headed to Gatwick airport in London. Rupani, as indicated by his business class ticket, was traveling to London to visit his daughter.
A British national of Indian origin, who was seated in 11A, survived the crash and was admitted to a hospital. The crash resulted in the loss of 241 passengers and 29 individuals on the ground. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recovered the Air India plane’s black box. The information from the orange box found near the rear of the plane will be used in the investigation. Air India is expressing its condolences for the loss of 241 people on Flight AI171.
Air India has contacted the next of kin and relatives of all passengers and crew members, offering support. More than 400 family members have arrived in Ahmedabad and are receiving assistance. Every affected family in Ahmedabad has been assigned a caregiver. Air India is collaborating with other Tata Group companies to support the bereaved families. Air India is also working with authorities to manage the repatriation of remains. Assistance centers remain open at Ahmedabad and Mumbai airports.