Air India Crash: Families Demand Accountability Following Identification Errors

Families of victims from the tragic Air India crash, which claimed the lives of 270 individuals, are grappling with additional anguish after some received the wrong remains. Arwen Greenlaw, sister of one of the deceased, highlighted the emotional trauma experienced by her family, who seek both dignity and closure. The Foreign Office stated they are supporting affected families as investigations continue into the crash's causes.

The Air India crash on June 12 claimed the lives of Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, 39, and his husband Jamie, 45, among others, with 242 passengers onboard the ill-fated flight to London Gatwick from Ahmedabad. Arwen Greenlaw spoke to BBC Newsnight, detailing her family’s heartbreak since they received the wrong body, a situation she described as "added trauma." The ongoing search for closure has prompted calls for improved accountability and forensic standards in identifying remains.

Greenlaw shared that her mother traveled to India for the identification process, which was chaotic and disturbing. Upon receiving what they believed were Fiongal's remains, they later discovered inconsistencies, as tests revealed the casket contained the remains of two different individuals. “It has been the equivalent of losing him twice,” Arwen reflected, emphasizing the pain of not knowing Fiongal’s fate.

The crash's preliminary report indicated that the engines' fuel had cut off moments after takeoff, though reasons remain unclear. With a final report planned within a year, investigators continue to look into safety protocols. The Foreign Office noted that it is in contact with the Indian authorities to ensure a proper coronial process is followed. As families remember their loved ones, the emotional toll of the incident deepens, raising concerns about the protocols in place for such tragic events.

Meanwhile, a memorial service was recently held in Wembley for two other crash victims, underscoring the collective grief shared by families who have lost loved ones and the ongoing quest for justice and answers in the wake of such a tragedy. India's foreign ministry stated they are committed to addressing concerns and handling remains with professionalism and dignity.