204 Bodies Recovered So Far in Ahmedabad Plane Crash; DNA Identification Underway

In the aftermath of Thursday’s tragic Air India plane crash, authorities have now confirmed the recovery of 204 bodies from the crash site near Ahmedabad’s B.J. Medical College. The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, crashed into a residential area minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

As per various sources, the death toll may include victims on the ground. So far, no survivors have been found and hopes of finding any are fading. Rescue teams have managed to clear about 80% of the affected area, which included a hostel for medical staff where the aircraft struck during lunchtime.

State Health Secretary Dhananjay Dwivedi said families of the victims have been asked to submit DNA samples to help identify the deceased, as many of the bodies are severely burned or unrecognizable. Officials report that the aircraft hit the hostel's dining area, killing several medical students and staff.

Air India earlier confirmed the passenger manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. Among them were 11 children and 2 infants. This marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the model began service in 2011.

Authorities are continuing search and recovery operations while investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash. Meanwhile, Air India has stated it is cooperating fully with the investigation and has set up a helpline for families of the victims.