It would take two to three days or even longer to identity victims of the bus tragedy, whose charred bodies are beyond recognition.
Investigators have decided to conduct DNA profiling of the victims and match them with those of their blood relatives, in order to identify the bodies. This involves collection of blood samples from blood relatives of the victims and DNA profiling of the charred bodies found at the accident spot.
The remains of the victims were shifted to Osmania General Hospital by evening.
“DNA analysis would take time depending on the availability of kits and the quicker conduct of tests,” police.
Investigators who grilled the bus driver said they were yet to ascertain how the bus was so badly damaged.
The pole’s role
There were also reports that parts of the bus’ body were made of fibre. A steel pole located on the projected end of the culvert, hit the rear of the bus and pierced it.
“The pole got embedded inside the bus. Apparently sparks flew as the pole dragged on the road for some distance, leading to eruption of flames,” surmised a senior police officer, declining to be quoted. Police found the pole and had to use force to yank it out from the bus body at the accident spot.
The accident occurred between 4.50 a.m. and 4.55 a.m. and police are “taking expert help to identify if the overtaking happened within a few yards of the accident spot or was of longer distance.”
Investigators are also verifying reports if the driver was unwell the previous night, while not ruling out the possibility of the driver dozing off while on the wheel.
