Odisha train tragedy death toll at 288; 'DNA sampling to help in identification of bodies'

Amidst confusion and challenges in the identification of bodies of the deceased in Odisha train mishap and reports of multiple claimants to bodies, Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena on Tuesday said that 205 bodies have been identified and handed over to the next of kin of the deceased.

So far 83 bodies are yet to be identified and significant progress in the identification is likely by tomorrow, said Jena. While talking to reporters, the Odisha Chief Secretary on Tuesday informed that the death toll in Bahanaga train mishap is now 288 which is based on the final report submitted by the Balasore Collector.

“Till yesterday, we had got confirmation about 275 deceased based on verification of Balasore Collector. The Collector was instructed to match the figures of dead bodies recovered from the spot, hospital and temporary site, and districts where the injured were sent. The Collector has submitted his final report today and the death toll is now 288,” said Jena.

According to Jena, 193 dead bodies were brought to Bhubaneswar from Balasore. As many as 94 bodies were identified and handed over to next of kin in Balasore district itself and one handover was in Bhadrak district. At present, the condition of one of the injured is critical, he added.

“So far, 205 dead bodies have been identified and handed over to the family members at the district level and at Bhubaneswar. A total of 83 more bodies are in the identification stage. We have received a lot of queries on the toll-free numbers and significant progress will be made in the identification process by tomorrow,” said Jena.

The Chief Secretary further said that the DNA sampling and embalming process is underway. The process will be helpful in resolving issues in case of unclaimed bodies in the future.

“DNA sampling is being done along with the embalming process If there are any unclaimed bodies, then a decision can be taken based on DNA sampling,” Jena added.