Christian Volunteers in Vadodara, Gujarat, Craft Coffins for Air India Crash Victims

Vadodara, Gujarat, June 16, 2025: Christian volunteers from Vadodara, Gujarat, have stepped forward to urgently prepare coffins for the victims of the June 12 Air India crash near Ahmedabad. Responding to a request from Air India, the group consisting of 16 members of the Centenary Methodist Church began crafting coffins for the dignified repatriation and burial of the 270 victims of the crash. The aircraft, which was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed into a medical students' hostel shortly after takeoff, killing 241 on board and 29 people on the ground. The victims include nationals from India, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Canada.

Due to the severely charred condition of the bodies, DNA testing was required for identification. With the first set of remains released to families on June 15, the urgent need for suitable coffins arose, especially in a state where cremation is the norm and coffins are seldom used.

“We received a request from Air India for 120 coffins,” said Sanjiv Loyal, one of the volunteers. “A message was sent to our church group, and 16 of us came forward.”

Working through the night on June 14, the team completed 51 airtight coffins by the next morning and are now working on an additional 100. They are offering their services free of charge, accepting only reimbursement for material costs.

“It is very sorrowful when we make each coffin for the aircraft crash victims, as their lives and dreams were cut short tragically,” Loyal said.

The volunteers are assisted by family and friends in making the coffins

Another Christian volunteer, Neelesh Purohit, who works as a supervisor in a private firm, took leave from work to assist in making the coffins. “I felt this was more important—so families can perform last rites with dignity,” he shared.

“This is our Christian concern for those in pain,” said Martian Christian, a local pastor. He noted that some volunteers have sacrificed sleep, meals, and work to complete the task.

Courtesy: UCA News