Families of Air India Crash Victims Seek Justice Following Mistaken Remains Identification

The families of victims from the ill-fated Air India flight AI171 call for accountability after receiving wrong remains, heightening their emotional trauma. With ongoing investigations, they demand clarity and support as they seek closure for their loved ones.

A recent heart-wrenching revelation has deepened the grief for families affected by the tragic Air India flight AI171 crash, which occurred on June 12 shortly after departure from Ahmedabad for London Gatwick. Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, 39, and his husband Jamie, 45, were among the 242 souls aboard the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that met a devastating fate. In a harrowing account, Fiongal's sister Arwen Greenlaw expressed her anguish to BBC Newsnight, detailing how receiving the wrong body has inflicted further trauma on their already grieving family.

Arwen emphasized the need for dignity and closure as they seek accountability for the identification errors. The Foreign Office has pledged to continue providing support to the victims' families through dedicated caseworkers, reminding that the identification process remains the responsibility of Indian authorities.

Describing the family's ongoing struggle, Ms. Greenlaw stated, "We need to know if he has been cremated as somebody else," underscoring the urgent quest for answers amid what she perceives as a breakdown of proper forensic protocols at the crash scene. With 270 confirmed casualties, including residents near the crash site, the incident raises several pressing questions about aviation safety and investigation standards.

The preliminary investigative report suggests an in-flight fuel cutoff seconds after takeoff, but key details surrounding this malfunction remain unclear. In the aftermath of the crash, Arwen's mother traveled to India for the challenging process of identification. Upon her return, the family was devastated to discover that the remains they received were, in fact, mixed with another body. A London coroner later confirmed the identity issue using DNA testing, marking a tragic double loss for the family who believed they had at least received Fiongal's remains.

Fiongal and Jamie were beloved members of the Ramsgate community, co-founding The Wellness Foundry and actively participating in local events, such as the Ramsgate Pride. Their final social media post revealed their joy during a recent trip, making the loss all the more poignant for their families.

As investigations continue, the Foreign Office indicated they are coordinating closely with Indian authorities to support the coronial process. The agency reassured families that concerns are taken seriously, noting the immense distress the situation has caused.

Arwen Greenlaw's heartrending appeal follows a solemn memorial service in Wembley for other victims, highlighting the collective grief shared by families of the deceased. The misidentification underscores the profound need for rigorous protocols in disaster response and victim identification, as affected families bravely navigate their unfathomable loss.