British families mourning loved ones killed in last month’s Air India crash are facing fresh heartache after discovering they received the wrong remains of victims, with at least two cases of misidentification confirmed by DNA testing. The devastating errors have prompted India’s foreign ministry to work closely with UK authorities to address the crisis.
Miten Patel, whose parents Ashok and Shobhana Patel died in the 12 June crash, told the BBC that “other remains” were found in his mother’s casket after her body was returned to the UK. The Inner West London coroner identified the mixed-up remains, leaving Mr Patel to worry: “How many others are in there?”
The Daily Mail reported on Wednesday that wrong bodies were being sent to loved ones following the crash which killed 260 people shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport. Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed into a medical college hostel complex just 32 seconds after departure, claiming 241 lives on board and 19 on the ground.
James Healy-Pratt, an aviation lawyer representing several British families, revealed that of the 12 to 13 sets of human remains sent to the UK, DNA testing exposed at least two mismatches. In one case, referred to as “Family X”, relatives had to abandon funeral plans after being informed their coffin contained an unknown passenger rather than their family member. In another instance, the “commingled” remains of multiple victims were mistakenly placed in the same casket.
“I’ve been sitting down in the homes of these lovely British families over the last month, and the first thing they want is their loved ones back,” Mr Healy-Pratt told the Daily Mail. “But some of them have got the wrong remains and they are clearly distraught over this. It has been going on for a couple of weeks and I think these families deserve an explanation.”
The Patels were travelling home to visit their sons and grandchildren when the tragedy struck. Despite the horrific circumstances, their son described the identification process as showing “meticulous and efficient planning” by authorities, though the subsequent mix-up has caused additional trauma. Mr Patel said the error was “obviously very upsetting,” acknowledging that whilst mistakes happen, “there has to be a level of responsibility that you’re sending the right bodies to the UK.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded to the allegations on Wednesday, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating: “We have seen the report and have been working closely with the UK side from the moment these concerns and issues were brought to our attention.” The statement continued: “In the wake of the tragic crash, the concerned authorities had carried out identification of victims as per established protocols and technical requirements. All mortal remains were handled with utmost professionalism and with due regard for the dignity of the deceased.”
The intense heat of the crash, which reached an estimated 1,500°C, severely complicated DNA collection and testing. Many victims’ remains were charred beyond recognition, with families receiving remains in plastic containers rather than proper coffins from Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital, which served as the identification centre.
Dr Fiona Wilcox, senior coroner for Inner West London, discovered the misidentifications whilst attempting to verify DNA samples from the remains with those provided by relatives. The errors only came to light weeks after families had received what they believed were their loved ones’ remains, with some having already conducted burial or cremation ceremonies according to religious customs.
Among the 52 British citizens who perished were elderly couples, young professionals, and entire families. Ashok Patel, 74, a financial adviser, and his wife Shobhana, 71, a retired microbiologist, had lived in Orpington, Kent, and were returning to their two sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel later revealed a poignant detail: the couple’s DNA samples were numbered 98 and 99, identified side by side in death.
The crash represents the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft type entered commercial service in 2011. A preliminary investigation report revealed that both engine fuel control switches transitioned from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” position within seconds of lift-off, effectively cutting fuel supply to the engines.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to raise the matter directly with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter’s upcoming state visit to Britain. The high-level diplomatic engagement underscores the severity of the situation and the need for immediate resolution.
Aviation experts have called for a comprehensive review of disaster victim identification protocols, particularly in cases involving extreme heat damage. The current crisis has exposed vulnerabilities in international repatriation procedures and the critical importance of accurate DNA testing before remains are released to families.
The Indian government announced compensation of ₹10 million (£96,000) to families of each deceased passenger, with Air India providing an additional interim payment of ₹2.5 million. However, for families like the Patels, no amount of compensation can ease the additional trauma of receiving the wrong remains.
“People were tired and there was a lot of pressure,” Mr Patel acknowledged. “But there has to be a level of responsibility that you’re sending the right bodies to the UK. How do I know there aren’t other remains in the casket with her?”
As investigations continue on both sides, the focus remains on ensuring all victims are correctly identified and returned to their families. The MEA confirmed: “We are continuing to work with the UK authorities on addressing any concerns related to this issue.”
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