Grief Compounded: Family Seeks Justice After Wrong Remains Identified in Air India Crash

Sat Oct 18 2025 06:27:28 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Following the tragic Air India crash, bereaved families are left grappling with the trauma of misidentified remains, as calls for accountability grow.

A grieving family is expressing their distress after receiving the wrong body following their loved one’s death in the Air India flight crash. The sister of Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, who perished in the June disaster, describes how this error has added to their trauma. With a preliminary investigation ongoing, families demand accountability and clarity regarding the crash’s causes and the handling of remains.

The sister of a victim from the Air India crash has shared the heart-wrenching impact on her family after they were given the wrong body. Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, 39, and his husband Jamie, 45, tragically lost their lives when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed on June 12, shortly after departing from Ahmedabad for London.

Arwen Greenlaw, Fiongal's sister, voiced her family's anguish, stating that the mislabeling of remains "added trauma." She is advocating for closure and dignity for her brother as well as accountability for those responsible. The Foreign Office has committed to supporting affected families with dedicated caseworkers, while affirming that the identification of bodies falls under the purview of Indian authorities.

Describing the chaotic scene her mother encountered during the identification process, Ms. Greenlaw noted that the confusion surrounding remains has been particularly distressing, emphasizing a lack of forensic protocols at the crash site, which remained open for two days post-incident. The family’s hopes hinge on clarity around what happened, with fears that her brother may have been mistakenly cremated.

The crash claimed at least 270 lives, including several in the vicinity of the airport in Ahmedabad. A preliminary report suggested fuel supply issues contributed to the crash. The investigation is ongoing, with a final report due in 12 months.

The Greenlaw-Meek family, owners of The Wellness Foundry in Ramsgate, were known for their contribution to the community, and moments before the flight, shared reflections of a fulfilling trip on social media. They were set to participate in local Pride events shortly thereafter.

Meanwhile, a memorial service in Wembley has drawn attention to the shared grief experienced by families of the crash victims, with reports of similar misidentifications affecting others, including the Patel family.

India's foreign ministry maintains that all remains were managed professionally and respectfully, asserting their commitment to resolving the families' concerns in collaboration with UK officials.