Ahmedabad Plane Crash: New update on Air India plane tragedy, will the last rites be performed again? Gujarat

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Ahmedabad Air India Plane Crash: Families Face Agony as New Remains Identified, Second Round of Last Rites Likely

Ahmedabad, July 2025 — The city of Ahmedabad and the entire state of Gujarat continue to reel from the tragic Air India A171 plane crash, which claimed 260 lives in late June. As the dust settles and rescue operations draw to a close, grieving families are now confronted with a new wave of sorrow: the discovery and identification of additional remains belonging to victims already laid to rest. This development has forced many to relive their trauma and consider performing last rites for their loved ones a second time, highlighting the ongoing emotional and cultural challenges in the aftermath of one of India’s most devastating aviation disasters.

The Tragedy Unfolds

On a fateful day in late June, Air India flight A171 crashed in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad, instantly transforming a routine journey into a nightmare for hundreds of families. The crash site was marked by chaos and devastation, with rescue teams working tirelessly amid the wreckage and flames. The official death toll, according to the Gujarat Health Department, stands at 260, including 29 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground.

For the families of the victims, the days following the crash were filled with anguish, uncertainty, and the harrowing task of identifying the remains of their loved ones. Many bodies were found in a mutilated state, making the process both physically and emotionally overwhelming.

New Remains Discovered

In a recent development, authorities announced that additional remains had been recovered from the crash site during ongoing clean-up and rescue operations. On Thursday, at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, a deeply poignant moment unfolded as six families were handed a second set of remains belonging to their departed relatives.

According to officials, 16 more body parts were discovered during the continued search at the wreckage site. These remains were sent for DNA testing, and after careful analysis and matching with family samples, they were identified as belonging to victims of the crash. The process was carried out with utmost sensitivity, yet the impact on families was profound.

“It is extremely rare for a person to have more than one funeral,” said an official involved in the process. “But with DNA matching and proper certification, there is no procedural hurdle to conducting a second round of last rites if the families wish.”

The Agony of Repeated Grief

For the families, the pain of losing a loved one in such a horrific accident is compounded by the ordeal of having to perform funeral rites again. The first time, many received only partial remains, and now, with the discovery of additional body parts, the wounds have been reopened.

“Seeing the mutilated bodies of our loved ones was unbearable the first time,” shared a relative of one victim. “Now, being asked to go through the same pain again is unimaginable. But we want to give them a proper farewell, as per our customs and beliefs.”

The remains handed over in this second round are, in most cases, very small—sometimes just a bone or a small fragment of tissue. Yet, in Indian culture, every part of the body is considered sacred, and performing the last rites is seen as essential for the soul’s peace.

The Role of DNA Testing

In the aftermath of the crash, all remains were sent to forensic laboratories for DNA analysis. This was crucial, as the force of the explosion and subsequent fire left many bodies unrecognizable. Families from across Gujarat, including Anand, Nadiad, and Ahmedabad, requested that they be notified if any further remains matching their relatives were found.

The process was painstaking and meticulous. Only after a positive DNA match and the issuance of a proper certificate were the new remains released to the families. In total, nine out of the ten remaining families have given their consent for the hospital to hand over the newly identified remains for cremation. One family’s response is still pending.

“This process is emotionally taxing for everyone involved,” said a hospital administrator. “But it is essential to ensure that every victim receives dignified last rites, and that families can find closure.”

Consent and Cultural Sensitivity

Authorities have taken care to obtain written consent from all families before releasing additional remains. The consent forms specifically mention that the remains may have been found during debris clearance or medical analysis, and seek permission for a second round of last rites if the families so desire.

Given the deeply ingrained cultural and religious importance of funeral rituals in India, officials have worked closely with families to respect their wishes. Some have chosen to perform the rites privately, while others have invited community members to share in their grief.

“It is a rare and difficult situation,” a senior official explained. “But our priority is to support the families in any way we can, and to ensure that the process is handled with the utmost respect and dignity.”

The Human Toll

The impact of the crash extends far beyond statistics and official reports. For those who lost loved ones, the tragedy has left a permanent scar. Many families received only fragments of bodies, making identification a traumatic ordeal.

One survivor’s relative recounted, “We waited for days, hoping for a miracle. When we finally received the remains, it was just a small part of what was once a vibrant life. Now, with the discovery of more remains, we are forced to relive that grief.”

The trauma is not limited to families of passengers and crew. Nineteen people on the ground also perished in the disaster, adding another layer of complexity to the identification process. For these families, the pain is compounded by the randomness of fate—a loved one lost not while traveling, but simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The Crash Site: A Scene of Devastation

The Meghani Nagar crash site remains a somber reminder of the tragedy. Rescue and clean-up teams have had to sift through debris, often finding human remains among twisted metal and charred belongings. The intensity of the crash and subsequent fire meant that many bodies were dismembered, making the recovery process both physically and emotionally grueling.

Officials have described the scene as one of the most challenging in recent memory. “The force of the impact was such that it scattered remains over a wide area,” said a member of the rescue team. “It was our duty to recover every piece, no matter how small, and ensure it was treated with respect.”

Community Response and Support

In the wake of the tragedy, the local community has come together to support the bereaved. Volunteers have helped families navigate the complex process of identification and funeral arrangements. Religious leaders have offered prayers and counseling, while local organizations have provided financial and logistical assistance.

The tragedy has also prompted calls for improved safety standards and better emergency response protocols. Many are questioning how such a disaster could occur, and what steps can be taken to prevent future tragedies.

Moving Toward Closure

As the last of the remains are identified and handed over, families are seeking ways to move forward. For some, performing a second round of last rites is a way to find closure and honor their loved ones’ memory. For others, the pain remains raw, and the healing process will take time.

Officials have assured families that all possible steps have been taken to ensure accurate identification and respectful handling of remains. The process, though arduous, reflects a commitment to dignity and compassion in the face of overwhelming loss.

A Nation Remembers

The Ahmedabad Air India plane crash has left an indelible mark on the city and the nation. As families gather for a second round of farewells, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of community in times of sorrow.

For those who lost loved ones, the journey toward healing is just beginning. But amid the grief, there is also resilience—a determination to honor the memory of the departed and to support one another through the darkest of times.

Conclusion

The discovery of new remains from the Air India A171 crash has reopened wounds for families already battered by loss. As they prepare to perform last rites once more, their courage and dignity stand as a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. While the pain may never fully subside, the collective response of the community, authorities, and the nation offers hope that, together, healing is possible.

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