Bangkok: Forensic experts have made significant progress in the aftermath of the tragic train-bus collision, collecting DNA samples from seven families of the victims.
According to Thai News Agency, the head of forensic medicine reported that the families of those missing in the collision have come forward to provide DNA samples. Of these families, six are Thai nationals and one is from Myanmar. The identification process is expected to be completed by this evening or tomorrow, allowing for the bodies to be handed over to their relatives by Wednesday.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Wirun Suphasinghsiripreecha, Commander of the Forensic Science Institute, confirmed the collection of DNA samples from the families of the missing victims. He emphasized that one family is yet to provide their DNA sample, with arrangements currently being made to facilitate this. Once the identification results are available, the information will be forwarded to investigators at Makkasan Police Station. This will enable them to compare the results with the list of missing persons for official confirmation and subsequent legal procedures. The bodies are expected to be released for funeral rites by Wednesday or Thursday.
In a related development, authorities discovered an additional human body part, increasing the count to four. DNA testing is being conducted to determine if it matches any of the eight known victims. Officials have clarified that this does not suggest the presence of a ninth victim. Furthermore, Pol. Maj. Gen. Wirun clarified that the names of two deceased individuals previously released were not confirmed by the Forensic Science Institute, as their identities remain unverified.