The son of an Air India crash victim expressed profound concern after discovering "other remains" in his mother’s casket, raising fears of mixed-up identities. The Indian foreign ministry is addressing the issue while families demand accountability and reassurance from officials on the handling of the deceased.
Mix-Up in Remains Raises Concerns After Air India Crash
Mix-Up in Remains Raises Concerns After Air India Crash
Family of crash victim shocked by discovery of unidentified remains in returned casket, prompting urgent responses from authorities.
The son of Shobhana Patel, a victim of the tragic Air India plane crash that resulted in the deaths of 260 individuals shortly after take-off in June, has revealed disturbing news regarding the handling of remains. Miten Patel disclosed to the BBC that upon her return to the UK, "other remains" were found mixed with his mother's in her casket. This revelation has left him with a haunting question: "How many others are in there?"
According to a report from the Daily Mail, the mix-up of remains has been confirmed by a coroner, leading to widespread distress among grieving families. The crash occurred on June 12 while the Pattels were traveling back to the UK to visit family. They were among the initial casualties to be repatriated.
Miten articulated the emotional turmoil caused by this incident, stating, "The situation is obviously very upsetting. Although I recognize that people were under immense pressure, there must be a level of accountability in ensuring the correct bodies are returned."
The Daily Mail cited two separate instances where errant remains were reportedly returned to families in the UK, including one case where a family received an entirely incorrect body, while another involved remains from multiple individuals contained within the same casket.
Responding to the reports, India's foreign ministry expressed their commitment to professionalism and dignity in the recovery of remains. They are collaborating closely with UK officials to address the families’ concerns. A spokesman for the UK government emphasized that the formal identification and handling of the deceased are managed by Indian authorities, while they continue to assist in the coronial process alongside the Governments of Gujarat and India.
A lawyer advocating for the families conveyed expectations for UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to address these critical issues with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his upcoming visit to the UK. The individuals impacted by this tragedy are demanding immediate answers and guarantees regarding the status of their loved ones.
The UK's Foreign Office confirmed their ongoing support for the families, assigning dedicated caseworkers for those who require assistance, while also maintaining Family Liaison Officer support. As the investigation into the crash unfolds, concerns regarding the identification of victims and the proper handling of remains remain paramount.
