The Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad is a profoundly sad and shocking incident. The Civil Hospital expresses deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

Once the DNA matching process is complete, the process of handing over the bodies to their relatives will be carried forward in the following manner. All concerned are kindly requested to take note.

The Civil Hospital will contact the relatives of the deceased — who provided their DNA samples — on their registered phone numbers.

Relatives should respond only to phone calls made by an authorized person from the designated numbers of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. The phone call will notify them about the matching of the DNA and when to come to collect the body.

The official phone numbers from which the hospital will contact the relatives are:

9429915911, 9429916096, 9429916118, 9429916378, 9429916608, 9429916622, 9429916682, 9429916758, 9429916771, 9429916875.

Who Should Come to Claim the Body?

The closest relative who provided the DNA sample should come in person. If this is not possible, another close family member may come instead. The person collecting the body must bring the following documents to establish their and the deceased's identity:

The person's Aadhaar card or any other government-approved photo ID (original).

The deceased’s Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID (original or a copy).

A document proving their relation to the deceased.

The phone number that was registered during the submission of the DNA sample.

If a close relative is unable to come in person and instead authorises someone else to collect the body, they must provide a proper authorization letter alongside their documents.

Documents Provided by the Hospital:

The hospital will prepare a file for the relatives of the deceased, which will include the post-mortem (PM) report, death certificate, and all other necessary legal documents. If there is a lack of documents proving the relationship or the identity of the deceased, after the phone call from the hospital, the relatives should contact their local Mamlatdar, Collector, or Provincial Officer for guidance.

Relatives must bring the above documents and report in person at the control room set up in D-2 Block of Civil Hospital. If there are any difficulties in reaching the hospital, please contact the phone number from which you received the call for complete guidance and support.

Transport Arrangements for the Body:

For Local Transport (By Road): Free ambulance service is available for those who wish to take their deceased relatives back home by road. For Air Transport: If relatives wish to transfer the body to another state or country by air, they should coordinate with Air India in advance. Air India will provide all necessary help in this process.

Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, said, “As soon as the plane accident was reported, a team of nearly 250 doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, and social workers rushed to the Trauma Center to provide the best care during the ‘golden hours’.”

Due to the constant guidance and coordination from the health department's highest authorities and the state government, all injured persons were treated promptly. Furthermore, sensitive procedures such as DNA sample matching were carried forward efficiently.

The collaboration and support from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) made it possible to match the DNA samples quickly.

As a result, nine new DNA samples were successfully matched, and the body of one victim has already been handed over to their relatives.

During this difficult time, the state government stands firmly by the families of the deceased and is committed to extending all possible help.

SOURCE: INFORMATION DEPARTMENT