Authorities have successfully matched the DNA of 211 victims in the devastating Air India AI171 crash, marking a significant step forward in the identification process following one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent history.
Rakesh Joshi, Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, confirmed the development on Thursday, noting that efforts are ongoing to verify the remaining samples. “We’ve matched 211 DNA profiles so far. The rest are still under verification,” Joshi told ANI. “We are doing everything in our power to ensure families are contacted the moment the reports are ready. Time is critical, and we are committed to assisting them without delay.”
The painstaking identification process comes amid an outpouring of grief across the country, as families begin to reclaim the mortal remains of their loved ones.
In Mumbai, heartbreak unfolded as the body of Clive Kunder—the co-pilot of the ill-fated flight—was brought home. Emotional scenes were witnessed outside his residence in Goregaon (West), where neighbors and well-wishers gathered in solemn silence. Inside, his parents stood before his portrait, surrounded by mourning relatives and friends.
Clive, who lived with his mother and father, was remembered as a kind and dedicated young pilot. His remains were flown in earlier Thursday and escorted to his family’s home from Mumbai Airport.
Clive’s passing resonated deeply with many, including actor Vikrant Massey, who took to Instagram to share his sorrow. Calling Clive a "family friend," Massey revealed the young co-pilot was the son of his uncle, Clifford Kunder.
"It pains even more to know that my uncle, Clifford Kunder, lost his son, Clive Kunder, who was the 1st officer operating on that fateful flight," Massey wrote in a heartfelt tribute. “May God give strength to you and your family, uncle, and to all deeply affected.”
The Air India AI171 tragedy occurred on June 12, when a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft plummeted into the hostel complex of BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area, erupting in flames and debris.