Wrong remains from Air India crash 'adds to trauma', says family

Families of the victims of the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing are speaking out about the discovery of unidentified human remains, saying the revelation has compounded their grief and added to their decades-long trauma. For many, the news feels like a fresh wound, reopening a case that has never fully provided closure. The bombing, which killed all 329 people on board, remains one of the deadliest acts of aviation terrorism in history, and the recent development has brought the pain back to the forefront.
The discovery was made during a recent investigation into the circumstances of the tragedy. Experts found that some remains had been misidentified or not properly attributed to a specific victim, suggesting that the initial identification process was flawed. For families who were told they had received all of their loved one's remains, the news is a devastating blow. It raises difficult questions about what happened in the aftermath of the crash and why these remains are only just now being identified.
The emotional impact on the families is profound. They have spent over three decades trying to heal from the initial shock and loss, and this new information forces them to relive the horror. The discovery not only challenges their sense of closure but also shakes their trust in the authorities who handled the initial recovery and identification efforts. The families are now demanding a full and transparent accounting of the discovery, seeking answers about what went wrong and how such a significant error could have occurred. They are calling for a thorough review of the original procedures and a commitment to ensuring that all remains are finally and correctly identified and returned to their rightful families.
The renewed focus on the crash also highlights the ongoing struggle for justice. While some individuals were convicted for their roles in the bombing, many families feel that the full extent of the conspiracy has never been revealed. The bombing was a complex act of terrorism with international implications, and for many, the legal process fell short of providing a complete picture of who was responsible. This new discovery has reignited the families' calls for a renewed investigation into the entire affair, from the initial plot to the recovery and identification of the victims. They hope that this painful revelation will finally lead to a full and complete understanding of all aspects of the tragedy.
The families' pain is not just about the remains themselves but about the constant reminder that their grief is not a static event. It is an ongoing journey with new obstacles and traumas emerging over time. The discovery of these remains is a stark and painful reminder that the past is never truly settled. It underscores the importance of proper and respectful handling of human remains in the aftermath of such a tragedy, not just for the sake of accuracy but for the psychological well-being of the surviving families. Their struggle is a testament to the enduring human need for closure, truth, and respect in the face of unimaginable loss.
Source@BBC