Almost 48 hours after a tragedy struck coach B1 of the Bangalore-Nanded Express, families of the victims hope that their near and dear ones are not among those dead and now bank on DNA tests for confirmation.
Anxious families, friends and colleagues of those feared dead started arriving at the Victoria Hospital here as early as 7 am to seek more information and obtain clarity on the situation. A plethora of emotions played out all at once.
Overcome by shock and grief, the relatives still hoped that their loved ones figured in the missing list and were safe somewhere out there.
Of the 26 declared dead, officials have handed over the bodies of 11 victims, while the rest are awaiting the results of DNA tests.
Officials said, though some deaths were confirmed, the families refused to claim the bodies until the DNA test confirmed the same.
“The family has been told that it will take three days for the DNA results to be out. We are yet to take a call on cremation,” Manjunath, a relative of software professionals Srilata (26) and Srinivas B (28), said.
The bodies have been identified by their families. Yet, they are awaiting the DNA test for a confirmation.
According to Railway officials, there are 15 bodies at the Victoria Hospital. “Out of these 15, we are yet to get in touch with families of four victims,” said Divisional Railway Manager, South Western Railway, A K Aggarwal.
Apart from the 26 declared dead, 8 other passengers are still missing. Officials believe that they are alive as only 26 bodies were found.
“They are safe. They have not yet gotten in touch with their families. We are trying our best to contact them. Their numbers are switched off,” said Sunanda Arul, ADRM, South Western Railways.
In some cases, incomplete addresses given during reservation only complicated the situation.
One such example was where the address read, “Chamrajpet, Bangalore”.
“The total number of passengers in the coach was 65. There were three others whose names did not figure in the list,” Aggarwal said. The passengers also included a five-year-old child.
“Samples from all the bodies have been sent to the forensic science lab in the City.
“It might take three days but we will try and expedite the process to 48 hours,” he added.
