Odisha train tragedy: Preservation and identification of over 150 bodies, a big challenge for State government  

Over 150 dead bodies of Balasore train tragedy victims, which are preserved in the mortuaries of AIIMS, Capital Hospital and in other hospitals in Bhubaneswar, haven’t been identified as yet, resulting in the State government facing a big challenge in handing the bodies to their families for last rites. 

Today, as many as 55 ambulances carrying 2 bodies each reached AIIMS in the capital city. Later, the bodies were shifted to the mortuary. The same scenes emerged from Capital Hospital and some other hospitals. 

What makes the identification of the bodies difficult is that most of them are disfigured beyond recognition. Meanwhile, a four-member team from AIIMS, Delhi visited AIIMS, Bhubaneswar and took stock of the mortuary. 

“In the summer season, a dead body gets decomposed fast as compared to other seasons. So, the process of decomposition has already been started. While some bodies are being kept in ice chambers, some others have been treated with chemicals so that they can last a bit longer,” said additional superintendent, AIIMS, Dr Prabhas Ranjan Tripathy. 

Bhubaneswar DCP, Prateek Singh had on Saturday said the bodies would be preserved in the mortuaries of AIIMS, Capital Hospital, SUM Hospital, Hi-Tech Hospital, and some other hospitals. 

Meanwhile, the deceased persons’ photographs and identification marks have been uploaded on three websites. The websites are www.srcodisha.nic.in, www.bmc.gov.in and www.osdma.org. At the same time, two toll-free numbers-18003450061 and 1929 have also been issued. However, it has been asked that the photos should be used for none other than identification purposes. 

Meanwhile, teams comprising officials have been formed to identify and hand over the bodies. 

“We have uploaded the photographs of the deceased persons uploaded on three websites, hoping their relatives may see them and come to claim the bodies,” said Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena. 

The last rites of the unclaimed bodies will be performed after collecting their DNAs and fingerprints. 

“The Police department and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation have set up centers. We have issued a toll-free number 1929 and engaged five persons to attend calls. Apart from them, State government officers have also been deployed there,” informed BMC Commissioner, Vijay Amruta Kulange. 

So far, 108 bodies have been identified and handed over to their family members. 

Similarly, as per the information shared by the State government, of the 1175 injured persons, 793 have been discharged from different hospitals and 382 are still undergoing treatment.