Ahmedabad
The Indian Army has organized a major blood donation drive at the Military Cantonment in Ahmedabad to help victims of the tragic Air India AI-171 plane crash. Around 300 soldiers voluntarily donated blood to support ongoing emergency efforts in city hospitals treating the injured. Their commanders also participated, highlighting the Army’s commitment to serve beyond the battlefield.
The drive is being held in coordination with local hospitals and emergency teams to ensure timely delivery of blood to critical patients.
Meanwhile, identification of crash victims is ongoing at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Five bodies—two from Rajasthan, two from Bhavnagar, and one from Madhya Pradesh—have been identified and handed over to their families. DNA samples have been collected from 192 families so far.
To support the process, 70 to 80 doctors from across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Anand, and Nadiad are working round the clock. The government has set up a special DNA collection centre at B.J. Medical College's Kasoti Bhavan. Health Principal Secretary Dhananjay Dwivedi said that DNA from close relatives is being sent for testing, which may take up to three days.
Police and hospital staff are offering emotional support to grieving families, ensuring formalities are conducted respectfully. The Civil Hospital has shared helpline numbers: 6357373831 and 6357373841 for queries. Additionally, the State Emergency Operations Centre has opened a control room for assistance at 079-23251900 and 9978405304.
Authorities confirmed that over 250 post-mortems have already been completed, with efforts continuing to identify all victims with care and dignity.
