In a recent revelation, James Healy-Pratt, an international aviation lawyer, disclosed that at least two UK nationals were wrongly identified following their repatriation after a tragic Air India plane crash. A London coroner found DNA from multiple bodies mixed in one casket, raising disturbing questions about the identification process. Dr Fiona Shaw noted inconsistencies in the DNA soon after repatriation, prompting further scrutiny by Dr Wilcox to verify the identities of the remains. This rigorous examination revealed that one family’s loved one was misidentified.
The tragic event occurred on June 12, when an Air India aircraft, bound for London, lost control shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The plane crashed into a housing complex, claiming the lives of 242 passengers and crew members, with only one survivor. Among those lost were at least 169 Indian nationals, along with other foreign passengers.
A preliminary investigation hinted at potential pilot error, suggesting that fuel control switches had been turned off, cutting engine power. An audio recording from the black box indicated confusion between the pilots regarding the switches just before the crash.
The families of the victims expressed significant distress over the identification failures. Three families voiced their concerns, stressing the necessity for careful and respectful handling of such sensitive matters. While they felt reassured about their own identifications, they remained anxious about others still seeking clarity.
India’s foreign ministry claimed to have cooperated closely with UK authorities to address these issues and affirmed that protocols for victim identification were adhered to with professionalism. The diplomatic urgency was heightened by concurrent discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK leader Keir Starmer, who were finalising a free trade agreement.
Healy-Pratt has called for “financial justice” for the affected families and predicted that the misidentification issue would be a topic during ongoing talks. The situation underscores the profound emotional toll on the families involved and the collective tragedy stemming from this air disaster.