The Andhra Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratory (APFSL) has initiated the critical process of DNA matching for victims of the tragic private bus fire in Kurnool. Forensic experts began this urgent task on Saturday, October 25, to identify the passengers who lost their lives.
The horrific incident occurred in the early hours of Friday near Chinna Tekur village on the outskirts of Kurnool. A Bengaluru-bound private bus collided with a two-wheeler on the National Highway, subsequently catching fire and claiming the lives of nineteen passengers, who were tragically burned beyond recognition.
Following the disaster, a massive forensic operation was launched. Under the leadership of APFSL Director G. Pala Raju, sixteen specialized teams swiftly arrived at the scene to meticulously collect and preserve samples. The extensive effort involves two Joint Directors, four Assistant Directors, and numerous Scientific Assistant Directors, all dedicated to the complex task of DNA identification.
An investigation officer confirmed that due to the severe charring, the victims’ remains were unrecognizable and have been moved to the mortuary. They will only be released to their grieving families once the crucial DNA analysis is complete, ensuring accurate identification.
In an update on Saturday, Mr. Pala Raju revealed that soft tissue samples from 18 victims have been collected, alongside blood samples from their respective family members, to facilitate the matching process.
The Director explained the challenging nature of the task, stating, “Some bodies were almost entirely incinerated in the blaze. Therefore, our forensic experts have meticulously collected bone samples from all nineteen victims to aid in identification.”
DNA extraction is now underway at the APFSL facility in Amaravati. The APFSL Director also noted that a DNA sample from one still-unidentified body has been secured. Should anyone come forward to claim this individual, identification will be confirmed through blood sample matching.
Mr. Pala Raju assured that the entire DNA matching process, involving comparisons with family blood samples, is expected to be finalized within 48 hours. Once completed by the FSL, police will promptly facilitate the handover of the identified remains to their families.