Tragic Air India Crash: Family's Grief Heightened by Wrong Body Identification

The aftermath of the Air India crash continues to unravel as families like that of Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek confront the harrowing experiences associated with the identification of loved ones.

In a heartrending account, Arwen Greenlaw, sister of crash victim Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, has expressed her profound distress over the erroneous handling of her brother's remains following the tragic Air India flight crash on June 12. Fiongal, 39, and his partner Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, 45, were among the 242 people on board the flight to London Gatwick from Ahmedabad when the crash occurred, leading to at least 270 confirmed fatalities, including victims on the ground.

Arwen Greenlaw told BBC Newsnight that the wrong identification of her brother’s remains has compounded her family's grief. She articulated her desire for "dignity" and "closure" amidst the trauma caused by the mistaken labeling. The Foreign Office has assured that it is providing assistance to the affected families and emphasizes that the formal identification process falls under the jurisdiction of Indian authorities.

The chaotic scene post-crash was echoed by Greenlaw, who criticized the lack of proper forensic procedures and noted that the crash site was not cordoned off for 48 hours, calling for changes to prevent future calamities. Currently, a preliminary investigation report indicates that the plane’s engines lost fuel supply mere seconds after takeoff, while pilot communications recovered during the investigation reveal confusion about this critical event.

In a painful twist, Greenlaw recounted her mother’s experience during the identification process, highlighting the emotional turmoil of receiving the remains of two individuals instead of her son. DNA tests later confirmed that they did not belong to Fiongal. Arwen Greenlaw expressed the emotional toll of losing her brother twice, navigating an experience she never expected to endure.

Fiongal and Jamie, partners in both life and business, co-founded the Wellness Foundry in Ramsgate and were to participate in workshops at the Ramsgate Pride event shortly before the incident. The couple's connection was poignantly described by Arwen, who noted they were "two halves of one soul."

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office continues to coordinate with the Indian government regarding the identification process, recognizing the distress felt by the families. Another memorial service in Wembley commemorated different victims, highlighting the shared sorrow that resonates through the affected communities. In response to the concerns raised about identification procedures, India’s foreign ministry affirmed that victims were treated with the utmost respect and professionalism according to established protocols.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, with a comprehensive report expected within a year.