Air India 171 Crash: 211 DNA Matches Confirmed, Families to Be Notified Soon; Co-Pilot Clive Kunder’s Body Brought Home

Rakesh Joshi, Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, on Thursday confirmed that 211 DNA samples of the victims of the Air India 171 crash have been successfully matched. He added that verification of the remaining samples is currently underway.

“211 DNA samples have been matched. All other samples are being verified. The administration is doing its best. As soon as reports come in, families will be called immediately. We’re trying not to waste even a single minute — we’re here to assist the families,” Joshi told ANI.

Co-Pilot Clive Kunder’s Remains Return to Mumbai

Meanwhile, the mortal remains of co-pilot Clive Kunder were brought to his residence in Mumbai today. Emotional visuals from his Goregaon (West) home showed a crowd gathered outside as his grieving family stood in front of his portrait, mourning their tragic loss.

Kunder, who lived with his parents, arrived earlier in the day at Mumbai Airport before being taken to his residence.

Actor Vikrant Massey Pays Tribute

Actor Vikrant Massey, in a heartfelt tribute posted on Instagram, revealed that Clive Kunder was a close family friend. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss, calling the crash “that fateful flight” and shared that Clive was the first officer onboard.

“It pains even more to know that my uncle, Clifford Kunder, lost his son, Clive Kunder… May God give strength to you and your family, uncle, and to all deeply affected,” Massey wrote.

About the Crash

On June 12, a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a hostel complex of BJ Medical College in Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad, just minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The crash claimed 241 lives out of the 242 people on board, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Authorities have since launched a full-scale investigation and recovery effort, with DNA identification playing a key role in helping families find closure.