Two families in the UK who lost loved ones in the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI‑171 have reported receiving incorrect remains following DNA testing, according to their legal representative. The Dreamliner crashed on June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of all but one onboard, including 52 British nationals .

The bodies were repatriated in sealed coffins from Ahmedabad Civil Hospital after DNA sampling, but it was only during the UK coroner’s verification that discrepancies were discovered . In one case, a coffin contained remains unrelated to the victim, prompting funeral cancellations. Another contained commingled remains, forcing the coroner to separate them before burial .

A legal advocate, James Healy‑Pratt, said the families are "clearly distraught" and deserve explanations . UK authorities, including coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox, have flagged the identification failures publicly .

Air India confirmed it is investigating the issue, though the airline’s role was limited to facilitating transport; the identification was carried out by Ahmedabad hospital staff . The mix-up has deeply affected grieving families already facing immense hardship. UK officials are now reviewing identification protocols and the chain of custody for repatriated remains as they demand answers.