Several British families grieving the loss of loved ones in the tragic Air India crash on June 12, 2025, have discovered that the remains they received were misidentified. The Air India crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, resulted in the deaths of 241 individuals, including 52 British nationals, and left 67 others seriously injured. The families of the victims are now facing the additional heartbreak of receiving the wrong remains of their loved ones.
Misidentification of Remains
According to aviation lawyer James Healy-Pratt, who represents several affected families, errors in identifying and repatriating the victims’ remains have caused significant distress. In one instance, a family had to cancel funeral arrangements upon realizing that the casket they received contained an unidentified body. In another case, the remains of multiple individuals from the Air India crash were mistakenly placed together in a single casket, requiring separation before the funeral could proceed.
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These issues came to light during DNA verification efforts led by Dr. Fiona Wilcox, the senior coroner for London Inner West. The misidentification has raised serious concerns about the handling of the victims’ remains and the adequacy of the identification processes following the Air India crash. The families are now demanding answers and assurances that such mistakes will not happen again.
Official Responses
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has stated that all remains were handled with “utmost professionalism” and in accordance with established protocols. They have expressed their commitment to working closely with UK authorities to address any concerns related to this issue. However, families of the Air India crash victims continue to demand transparency and accountability.
They are seeking assurances that the identification and repatriation processes were conducted properly and that such errors will not occur in the future. The mistakes have further intensified their grief, as they are left with the painful reality of not knowing if the remains they received belong to their loved ones.
Ongoing Investigations
The mishandling of remains has prompted high-level inquiries in both the UK and India. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to raise these concerns with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his state visit to London. The investigations aim to determine the causes of the errors in the Air India crash aftermath and to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the situation unfolds, the affected families remain in search of closure and justice for their loved ones. The misidentification of remains following the Air India crash has added to their grief, highlighting the need for improved procedures and greater accountability in handling such sensitive matters. The investigation into the errors continues, with families hoping for an official acknowledgment and a commitment to better handling of victims’ remains in the future.
