The tragedy of victim identification

The relatives of the victims of the tragedy at the “Evangelos Florakis” naval base in Cyprus, are now faced with the difficult task of the identification and recognition of victims.

After the initial shock they suffered when they learned about the tragedy in Mari and the death of their loved ones, the relatives must now identify the remains of the dead.

Moreover, according to information on at least five victims, a second DNA sample was taken this morning, since confirmation of identification was almost impossible.

Given the seriousness of the situation, a specially designed waiting room at the morgue of the Nicosia General Hospital, also houses the psychological support group composed of experts from the Police, the National Guard and Psychological Services, who are helping relatives cope with this difficult situation.

According to a member of the team, the relatives continually ask “why” their loved ones passed so unjustly.

The process of identification and the autopsy have been carried out since 09:00, and is expected to be completed by late afternoon, while apart from the support team, a strong police force is also present at the morgue.

Reports point to the fact that all the casualties are to be buried by Friday, while said ceremonies will be at the government’s expense.

Unfortunately, the condition of two of the wounded from the explosion in Mari is critical.

According to www.philenews.com, in a statement by Mr. Kiprianou, one unidentified soldier is in the ICU suffering from burns and wounds.

He added that a sample of genetic material to identify the injured man needed to be taken since “he had no face or eyes” and was first identified by his mother by a mark on his hand.

“The state of his health is critical and ongoing efforts are being made to figure out the level of his brain activity, for that is where the problem lies”.

Mr. Kiprianou also said that the doctors coming in from Israel are expects in explosion victims. He added that, since Cyprus rarely suffers injuries from explosions, the health minister and the treatment group agreed to the visit, but stressed that “therapeutic interventions have been exhausted and there should be no furtther therapeutic interventions in any direction”.

Health Minister Christos Patsalides visited the critically injured again today and announced that the Israelι doctors are expected at any moment.