Odisha train tragedy: 33 samples sent to Delhi as identification of bodies poses challenge

Amid challenges and confusion in the identification of bodies of the victims killed in the Odisha triple train tragedy, 33 samples collected from the relatives of the deceased at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar have been sent to Delhi for DNA sampling.

According to sources, the test reports will be handed over to the concerned authorities within two days.

While there are several bodies which are lying unclaimed at the premier health institute, six families are claiming for one body, sources informed.

“At least 39 bodies reached AIIMS, Bhubaneswar yesterday while there are no bodies in other hospitals. The Odisha government has five containers of which four are full of bodies. There are no chances of mutilation. We have stored 88 bodies and 74 bodies have been dispatched,” Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Sulochana Das said.

“All efforts are on for hassle-free delivery of bodies to the actual families. While there are many unclaimed bodies, several families are claiming one body. We have sent 33 samples for DNA sampling and the reports are expected in a couple of days,” Das informed.

Notably, 288 people were killed in the triple train accident involving Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express and Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, which were carrying over 2,500 passengers, and a goods train laden with iron on Friday evening at Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore.

As many as 21 coaches were derailed and severely damaged in the accident, trapping hundreds of passengers. A CBI probe is underway into the triple train tragedy.