Volunteers from Vadodara’s Christian community are working tirelessly to construct 120 wooden coffins for the victims of the recent Ahmedabad plane crash, ensuring that the remains are transported with dignity to their grieving families.
Father-son coffin makers Ardesh and Melvyn Rajwadi are leading the volunteer effort, which had already produced 25 completed coffins by Saturday evening. The team began their arduous task at 9 p.m. on Friday, June 13, after Air India contacted them directly with an urgent request.
“Air India reached out to us and placed an order for 120 coffins to transport the mortal remains of the crash victims (currently at the mortuary in Ahmedabad Civil Hospital),” said Ardesh Rajwadi. “We started working at 9 p.m. on Friday and completed 25 coffins by Saturday afternoon. We aim to finish 50 more by tonight and hand them over to the company.”
Five to six volunteers from the local Christian community are assisting the Rajwadi family in this demanding task. Each coffin takes approximately two hours to construct, according to volunteer Aldrin Thomas, who highlighted the precision required in the process.
“These coffins are made of plywood, which needs to be cut to exact dimensions,” Thomas explained. “We carefully attach the cut pieces to form the rectangular shape, then encase them in white cloth. Each coffin is two feet wide and six feet long to accommodate most bodies.”
The volunteers purchase all materials with their own funds and refuse to charge anything beyond the actual cost of production. According to those involved in the work, they will not take “a rupee more than the cost of production.”
The coffins are destined for Ahmedabad Civil Hospital’s mortuary, where the victims’ remains currently await transport to their final resting places. The volunteers’ efforts ensure that each victim receives proper care and respect during this crucial stage of the repatriation process.
Thomas emphasised the sense of community driving the project: “We came together to help the Rajwadi family get the coffins ready on time.” This spontaneous mobilisation of resources reflects the broader humanitarian response to the aviation tragedy.
Despite the urgency of the situation, the meticulous craftsmanship of each coffin stands out. The volunteers are committed to maintaining strict quality standards, ensuring that each coffin meets the necessary specifications for dignified transport.
The volunteers continue their work throughout the weekend, determined to meet Air India’s deadline for the remaining coffins needed for the victims’ final journey home.
