Air India Crash Repatriation Errors Spur Investigations

British families affected by the Air India Flight 171 crash have experienced further distress after receiving misidentified or commingled remains of loved ones, with errors discovered following DNA verification by an Inner West London coroner. At least two families had to cancel funeral plans or separate remains before burial. Indian authorities stated that all remains were handled per protocol at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and that Air India was not responsible for identification, as bodies were released in sealed coffins after DNA testing. Families, represented by aviation lawyer James Healy-Pratt, have demanded explanations and remain in limbo awaiting formal responses from Air India and its emergency response contractor. The issue has gained prominence ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK, where British officials are expected to raise the matter. Investigations continue in both countries to determine the cause of the identification errors and prevent future incidents.