The family of Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, who tragically died in the Air India crash, is grappling with additional pain from the misidentification of his remains. As they seek accountability, they emphasize the need for better forensic practices to prevent future tragedies.
Family of Air India Crash Victim Recounts Heartbreaking Experience of Misidentified Remains
Family of Air India Crash Victim Recounts Heartbreaking Experience of Misidentified Remains
Arwen Greenlaw shares the emotional trauma her family faced after receiving the wrong remains of her brother Fiongal in the aftermath of the devastating Air India plane crash.
A woman whose brother died in the Air India crash and subsequently received the wrong body has expressed that the situation has "added trauma" to her family's grief. Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, 39, and his husband Jamie, 45, were among the 242 people aboard the flight that tragically crashed shortly after leaving Ahmedabad for London Gatwick on June 12.
His sister, Arwen Greenlaw, shared her family's desire for dignity and closure following this incident, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding the mislabeling of her brother's remains. The UK Foreign Office has stated it is providing support to the bereaved families through dedicated caseworkers, but clear protocols for the formal identification of bodies lie with Indian authorities.
Ms. Greenlaw, hailing from Cambridge, has voiced her anguish, stating, "If that is not possible - because the worst-case scenario is that he has been cremated as somebody else - then we need to know that in order to move on." She highlighted issues she observed, suggesting a "lack of forensic protocols" at the crash site, which remained open for 48 hours. "It just can't happen again," she lamented.
The crash resulted in 270 confirmed casualties, including passengers from various nationalities and residents near Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Preliminary reports indicate that the plane's engines lost fuel seconds after take-off, but the cause remains under investigation.
Ms. Greenlaw recounts the chaotic scenes her family faced during the identification process. Their mother traveled to India to provide a blood sample, only to return with a casket that contained the remains of two individuals. Further testing by a London coroner revealed the remains were not her brother's, leading to a painful realization of loss.
"We go up and down with feelings," Ms. Greenlaw reflected on her family's emotional state, recognizing the challenging circumstances for those involved in the clean-up. Yet, she firmly believes that if Fiongal's remains were found, they should have returned home properly.
Fiongal and Jamie co-founded The Wellness Foundry in Ramsgate in 2018, and they were set to participate in a local pride event in June. Moments before their ill-fated flight, they shared a video on social media celebrating their experiences in India.
The Foreign Office continues to collaborate with Indian authorities to support the coronial process, acknowledging the distressing nature of the situation for families impacted by the crash.
Arwen Greenlaw's heart-wrenching comments arrive just days after a memorial service was held for other victims, shedding light on the complexities surrounding the crash's aftermath. India's foreign ministry claimed that identification processes followed established protocols, assuring that remains were handled with respect and professionalism, while also addressing any outstanding concerns collaboratively.
