Open Access

Austin Journal of Forensic Science and

Criminology

Literature Review

Disaster Victim Identification: A Strand that Connects to

Forensics
Isha Chauhan*, Pooja Puri and SK Shukla
Abstract
Amity Institute of Forensic Sciences, Amity University,
Noida, India Objective: To identify the various procedures used during disaster victim
*Corresponding author: Isha Chauhan, Amity identification and the implementation of forensic techniques so as to aid in
Institute of Forensic Sciences, Amity University, Noida, identification.
India
Received: July 04, 2020; Accepted: August 03, 2020;
Published: August 10, 2020

Literature Review Introduction

Disaster as said by Dr. Rasha Haddad [1] can be defined as a Disaster in the simplest terms could be explained as an unexpected
serious series of events posing a threat and a severe damage to property and sudden disruption in the general way of functions that are being
and infrastructure as well as the residents of that particular area, the conducted in that particular community that further causes loss of
one being affected. WHO defines a disaster as an event, which could assets including all of the ones mentioned below, namely, property,
be either natural or man-made that has such an impact on the people infrastructure and the community of that particular area. Disasters
living in the affected area, that only preventive measures can get them can be of both the types namely, man-made and natural disasters.
back to somewhere equivalent to the situation that was before the
Mass disasters, can be said as the catastrophic event, including
disaster. The series of events that led to the destruction can be sudden manmade and natural disasters such as terrorist attacks, wars and
or even progressive depending on the type of the disaster involved. earthquake, floods, fires etc. respectively. Going the technical terms,
A mass disaster is defined as the condition in which the number mass disaster can be defined as the condition in which the number of
of deceased that had occurred during the disaster reaches beyond deceased exceeds the handling capacity of that particular jurisdiction
the handling capacity of the local authorities and the jurisdiction, which is responsible for medical and forensic investigation.
involved in the task of forensic identification and investigation. Identifying the disaster victim becomes most important for the
INTERPOL released the guidelines on disaster victim following reasons; first of all it enables us to know about the cause of
identification, whose first publication was released in 1984, that the disaster that occurred, the number of victims encountered and
aimed on the proper recommendations and safety guidelines, so as their identification. DVI enables us to know about the exact loss of
to enable a better security for the victims and any future possibility the assets and any future consideration of any such type of disaster
of disaster. of that incident.

The beginning of the legal medicine, when traced in history was With the fast-developing technology, methods used in identifying
found the use of technique such as autopsy, finger print identification disaster victims should also be modified. The various modified
and odontology. Markus Rothschild said that the very first cases techniques used in identification of the disaster victims, involves
involving forensic investigation in mass disaster and identification the use of anthropological techniques, radioactive isotopic dating
of mass disaster victims, was traced in the year 1881 in Austria, at methods, dental records for identification. The use of computer
the incident that took place in the fire in the ring at the theatre of tomography has also aided the process of identification. The use of
Vienna, having around 449 people as victims. The next example of forensic radar technology is also used now a days so as to enable
the beginning of DVI was traced in the fire incident that occurred in determination of the victim beneath.
the bazar de la charite in paris, 1897, having a victim count of 126. Defining a Mass Disaster
Professor Peter Ellis [2] defined disaster victim identification, as The very basic definition of mass disaster [3] constitutes of mass
the process of initiation of the related and concerned government disaster being an event, including airways, waterways, earthquakes
authorities in the area of the disaster, may that be criminal act or a and lots more, that results or ultimately as a consequence of which
natural disaster. The proper organization of the victims, dead or alive there leads to the production of such a large number of victims, that
and retrieving the information from the victims and knowing about needs to be spotted by the authorities and are relative of medico legal
the reason for their death, and then sending the deceased to their investigation.
family members for further rituals to be conducted. The major task The next definition of mass disaster comprises of the event as
of the DVI is to protect as many victims as possible and to retrieve being a catastrophic event in which the number of deceased are more
as much information as available and reduce any further chances of than the capacity that could be handled by the local jurisdiction of that
such events. particular area. Examples of mass disasters could be “Linate aircraft

Austin J Forensic Sci Criminol - Volume 7 Issue 1 - 2020 Citation: Chauhan I, Puri P, Shukla SK. Disaster Victim Identification: A Strand that Connects to Forensics. Austin
ISSN : 2380-0801 | www.austinpublishinggroup.com J Forensic Sci Criminol. 2020; 7(1): 1082.
Chauhan et al. © All rights are reserved
Isha Chauhan Austin Publishing Group

accident” that took place on October 8, 2001. The main victims of the
disaster included people from northern Europe and Italy.
Mass disasters, when taken into account can be divided into
“Open” and “Closed” systems respectively, depending the upon the
passengers or the victim information available in hand at the time
of the disaster. It is seen that a closed system is much more easier
to manage as compared to an open system, as in this case there is a
requirement for the authorities to wait for the missing victims and the
information collection could not be done pre- hand as in the case of a
closed system, where prior information relative of the event is known
by the authorities.
Importance of Identifying the Disaster Victims
A. Identification of disaster victims [4] is an important of aspect
as it even enables the investigators to know about the modus operandi
in case of man-made disasters.
B. Establishing the personal identity of victim by matching the
post and the peri mortem records enables us to know the true identity
of the individual and then to know about the probable reason for the
disaster to have had occurred in certain cases.
C. Reconstruction of the scene of occurrence could be done, by
knowing the identity of the victim, the injuries when identified as Figure 1: Aircraft Disaster Shown Using Grid Method [22].

to be ante mortem or post mortem or to be the probable reason for

death, the impact of the disaster could have been known and with A proper method for searching should be taken into consideration.
which the intensity of an explosion or eruption or earthquake could Mostly in cases, such as aircraft disaster, grid method is used for
be known, enabling reconstruction of the scene of occurrence. searching. The place if a post blast analysis is to be done, the unburnt
samples can be present and so care should be taken accordingly. The
D. The objective revolves around knowing the number of capturing of the crime scene should be done; photographs of the
casualties that had been occurred and listing the number of missing scene should be taken before any change in the disaster site. Injured
persons. victims should be directed to the hospitals as soon as encountered.
E. The next concern revolves around the knowing the extent of The remains encountered should be checked of for as whether human
loss that has occurred to the assets, including property. or not. Numbering of each and every aspect should be done so as to
ease the investigation (Figure 1).
Things to be Taken Care of while Investigating the Scene
of Disaster Proper methods are to use by the scene coordinator so as to
preserve, handle and transport the evidences and the human remains
a) The very first thing that needs to be considered as soon as and the damage caused to property as soon as possible, with a proper
entering the scene of occurrence is restricting the movement of log for the same. Labeling of the post mortem records should also be
unauthorized people in the scene of occurrence, as they can tamper done to ease with the investigation.
with the evidences or can even get injured, as in case of post blast
analysis there can be unburnt or partially burnt chemicals. Stage 2: Post-Mortem Stage
The corpse and victim recovered from the scene of occurrence
b) Maintaining a proper record about the time relative to entry
are taken to the mortuary for further examination. There is a need to
and exit of the authorized authorities is a must.
maintain a proper record and to pen down each and every detail found
c) The condition of the bodies of deceased recovered from in the autopsy and the visual examination [6]. As the major part of the
the scene and the remains encountered from the scene should be physical evidences and the circumstantial evidences could be found
preserved accordingly and as soon as possible. at this stage, so there is a need to have a strong observation in order
to have all the evidences in hand. The physical evidences that can be
d) Though the basic process for investigating would remain same,
encountered include the medical and dental evidences and the finding
but the division and number of specialists involved varies as per the
of the laboratory regarding the traces of alcohol, drugs or chemicals
scene of occurrence and the extent of damage caused.
such as carbon monoxide. The general external examination such as,
Phases of Disaster Victim Identification fingerprint examination and injury examination.
Stage 1: Visit to the Scene of Occurrence Fingerprint of the victim is taken as to identify the victim from
After the occurrence of disaster [5] the very first thing is the visit to ante mortem records. Radiology plays an important role, as it enables
the scene of occurrence. The scene of disaster should be handled with the correct diagnosis of the severity of injuries and the age of the
care and the exhibits and human remains should be carried carefully. victim can be identified by radiological analysis. Odontology [7] also

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Figure 2: External examination being done with the help of personal effects
such as tatoo marks [23].

Figure 4: Determination of sex of an individual by teeth [24].

Figure 3: The Colour Changes Observed in Case of Chemical Toxicity

Involving Disasters [23].

plays an important role in disaster victim identification, as in cases

where facial features and fingerprints are impossible to be collected,
such as in arson, it is the calcified tissues of human dentition that
enable identification due to their high durability. The identification Figure 5: Age Determination with the Help of Teeth [24].
could be done, on the basis of certain dental anomaly or previous
dental records. victims so as to promote identification. Even till date if both ante and
post mortem ridge prints are present they are considered as the safest
Visual recognition: Visual recognition though valid but not in
method that is used for identification (Figure 2).
all the cases where face of the victim is not visible or where mutilated
body is involved. Though applicability of visual recognition can be Internal examination: In certain countries, it is only the external
considered in certain cases but it is said that it alone can’t serve as the examination [10] that is considered conclusive of identifying the
basis of identification due to its inaccuracy. victim but in cases where identification could not be established by
external examination such as in cases where ante mortem fingerprints
The very first thing to be considered should be the clothing of
are not present or the personal effects are not able to identify the victim
the victim. The contents in the pocket should also be checked as
it is the autopsy that is done to in order to establish identification.
they can serve as a method for identification. There is one thing
to be considered that if an object is attached loosely to the body Identifying the victim is an important aspect of investigating
it might be of someone else, because of the impact of the scene of the mass disaster. In cases where chemical disasters are involved,
occurrence and that is the reason why personal effects are considered serological and toxicological analysis is required to be done of the
as circumstantial evidences [8] and so they need to be corroborated victim so as to know about the chemical that acted as the causative
with other evidences, so as to reach a conclusion. agent in disaster.
External examination: The very first thing to be done as soon Identification can also be established by finding out any previous
as the victim reaches the mortuary is to photograph the body and fracture [11] or surgery history or any missing organ, or, any history
look out for the injuries and personal marks on the victim [9], of implant. Anthropological department plays an important in
including moles, birthmarks, tattoo marks, scar marks that can enable identifying and checking for the important details regarding the
identification. The injuries should be noted carefully as it enables us victim. By seeing the suture formation and bone fusion, the age
to distinguish them as ante and post mortem injuries and can also of the victim can be estimated, by having a close examination of
give a clue about the cause of death. Features such as eye and hair characteristic features sex, race determination could be done. It is
colour can enable identification (Figure 2). also the role of the anthropological department to check whether the
remain encountered is human or not (Figure 4).
In cases of poisoning the colour change in the face and the body
can be an indication of the causative agent used, so as to ease the Dental examination [12] plays a very important role as being a
investigation. Fingerprint experts take the ridge prints as of the method of positive identification. With the help of the radiographs,

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If information about the missing or deceased is encountered,

then the information about the where-about of the victim should be
informed to his family as soon as possible. A missing persons unit
should is of significant importance as it enables the communication
between the relative of the victim and the concerned authorities.
Duties of ante-mortem unit: The basic work of the ante-mortem
unit revolves around the collection of the information relative of the
victim, about his daily life, his identity. Ante-mortem images of the
victim should be collected for the ease of identification (if available).
There should be a proper coordination between both the teams so as
to enable identification procedure in a better manner.
There should be proper evidences so as to establish the identity
of the victim. Once the evidences are collected in a proper manner
up to a considerable amount, the reports should be sent to the
reconciliation department for further examination [14], so as to
match ante and post mortem records. The main responsibility of the
ante-mortem coordinator is the compilation of the missing person
list and to maintain the dead victim list in proper order with serial
numbers each.
Figure 6: Division of Command by Director of Victim Identification [4].
Stage 4: Reconciliation Procedure
age estimation by teeth can also be done, as teeth are the hardest The director of victim identification has further sub divided as,
substance in the human body as so can resist damage more as the missing persons unit [15], AM record unit, identification files
compared to the other organs (Figure 5). unit, mortuary record unit. All the work mentioned above is in
coordination with each other so as to identify the victim and for the
DNA profiling and genetic identification plays the role next, it
release of the body. The procedure followed before the release of the
is used to show a genetic linkage with a suspected family member body of the victim is, as such:
and also finding the body parts and giving a decision that the body
parts belong to the same individual, in case of mutilated bodies. • Records from the mortuary branch, including medical, dental,
In the “Spitsbergen civil aircraft disaster case, august 1996”, the photographs, x-rays, fingerprint are collected.
identification of the victims was done through DNA profiling of the • Records from the missing persons unit and the Ante mortem
victim and suspected relatives. As in the disaster mutilated organs record unit are also taken.
of 257 individuals was found, 141 were identified with the help of
DNA profiling with their relatives. Physical indications, including • Master diagrams of all the records are made on compilation
tatoo marks, scars, and surgical implants play an important role in from post mortem records.
the identification. Forensic anthropologists plays a significant role in • Reconciliation sessions are conducted, involving discussion and
identifying the disaster victim as they enable detailed mapping of the rejection or acceptance about the identity of the victim.
bodies and body parts and as it enables identification on the basis of
ossification of the bones, more prominently in cases of fragmented • On confirmation of identity, the final identification diagrams
body parts. The next important area of concern of an anthropologist are made.
is to determine whether a particular fragment is a human remain or • If the victim is dead, death certificate is prepared and the body is
not. released from the mortuary.
Stage 3: Ante- Mortem Data Collection Identification [16] centre plays a significant role in the
There are two lists prepared based on the identification, namely, reconciliation procedure as it contains the files and information from
the data on bodies and the data on missing persons. As per INTERPOL both the ante-mortem and the post-mortem units and the missing
[12], the pink forms are post mortem forms having the information unit is also a subdivision of the same, so it enables the investigation to
related to the body and the yellow form collects information regarding be done faster. The files should be sub divided on the basis of certain
the missing person. criteria; they can be the race of victims or their age or their sex, so
as to ease searching and identification procedure. The identification
The basic ways for collection of ante-mortem data includes,
photography should not only collect the images from post mortem
interviewing the relatives, checking the medical records of the
records but also from the ante-mortem records of the victim.
victim [13], checking for the insurance and personal identity related
documents of the victim. It should be noted that the number of The fingerprint identification section should have a separate
missing persons should be carefully calculated because there are section [17], such as in cases where both ante and post mortem
various past cases involving variability in the number of missing fingerprints are present for identification. As even of today,
noted and the actual missing individuals. fingerprints are considered as one of the most reliable methods of

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property log book. The items not only encountered on the victim but
also on the crime scene are to be documented and photographed and
to be placed in “E” numbered bags, this responsibility is also of the
property section.
b) Identification centre medical section contains the
responsibility of comparison of physical features of the victim
based on the AM and PM records. The basic anatomical structure is
considered in case of re arrangement of the victim, when mutilated
victims are found. Once the general observations, the matching of
the body parts should be done as to their belongingness to the same
individual.
c) The next department includes the department of dental
section that basically involves the estimation of age, habits of the
individual, search for anomaly and aids in investigation. If an ante-
mortem x-ray or dental record is present both the records can be
matched and identification of the victim could be done easily.
d) The DNA analysis department plays a major role in
identifying of the individual as it can be searched for with the relatives
of the victim with his relatives and identification could be done.
Figure 7: Division of Command under Investigator in Charge [4]. Protective gloves should be worn so that contamination need not
be done. It should be of significant concern that the sample should
identification. be collected from the least affected area, so that investigation isn’t
Methods of identification of the victims: The methods by affected.
which the identification of the victim is done, is primarily divided e) Body release section is in accordance with mortuary
into two groups, namely the primary identification and secondary section. The work of the body release is not only related to just release
identification. the body but before the release victim’s family needs to answer certain
Primary identification in the most basic terms, involves the questions as per the guidelines of INTERPOL, such as, the place where
identification of victim based on the finding of the various disciples the body needs to be sent, if the body is to be cremated locally, should
involved and the finding are usually found as the effect of the the belonging be sent to the family and in cases where approval for
disaster on the victim. Primary evidences are factor governed, such local burial of the body is given, is there any of the belonging of the
as the time since incidence took place, the extent or level of damage victim to be buried along.
caused to the victim, the changes in the condition of corpse with the Summarizing the Phases of Identifying the
delay in investigation time. Mostly DNA fingerprinting, analysis of Disaster Victim
dental records and ridge analysis are found to be the most reliable
alternatives for identification. The basic procedure followed while identifying a victim of a mass
disaster could be explained as under:
Secondary identification basically involves the personal
effects and belongings, tattoo marks, scar marks, description of • The body of the victim when found on the scene of occurrence
the victim’s clothing and the jewellery worn, medical records. All is collected and sent to the mortuary branch for further examination.
these can corroborate with the information gathered from the • The body received is entered in the dead log book with a unique
primary identification of the victim but can’t stand alone as an serial number for each and every body in order to aid identification.
individual evidence for identifying the victim. Identification through
photographs although can serve the purpose but it can’t be that it is • The victim’s body is then stored under suitable conditions so as
errorless as cases with false information collected their means is seen. to aid it’s preservation for further examination.

Both the secondary [18] and the primary data of significant • The property officer mean while searches for the personal
value and concerned area of interest should be found. The quality of effects of the victim that constitutes to the secondary identification
the ante- mortem and the post-mortem data collected needs to be method, used to corroborate with the primary identification methods
scrutinized carefully so as to obtain a reliable result. available.

Identification centers: • The records from the dental examination, medical examination,
photography unit are collected along with the AM unit for comparison
a) The identification centre property section is concerned in the reconciliation center.
with the collection and recording of the property of the victim. They
basically document each and every item collected from the victim • Once the identification is done the body is sent to the body
in the form of photographs and registering them in the victim’s release unit for further procedure.

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Management of the Victims Encountered at mentioned above.

the Scene of Occurrence The Disasters Where the Disaster Victim
The management of the victims [19] found on crime scene is Dentification Team Played a Major Role in
similar although there are slight differences as per each of crime scene Reducing the Impact and Aftermath
progression. The way and the procedure involved to be followed in Case Study 1: 2004 Tsunami
the management of the victims depend on the number of victims
Date of incidence: 26 December 2004
involved in that scene of occurrence.
Time of incidence: 07:58 am
The human remains found at the scene of occurrence depending
upon the nature of the mass disaster involved; such as a man-made Estimated casualty: 227,898
disaster or a natural disaster. If criminal activities are involved then Most commonly known as “boxing day tsunami” [20], whose
investigation in that manner has to be done otherwise criminal epicentre was found out to be the west coast of northern Sumatra. The
investigation can be ignored. It should be noted that evidences found magnitude of the earthquake was 9.1-9.3 on the seismic magnitude
on the crime scene as well as on the victim could be hampered if scale making one of most-deadliest earthquakes. The earthquake was
proper methods are not used. a reason of rupturing with the fault between Burma plate and Indian
A proper record including the chain of custody and all the other plate.
records are to be mentioned in order to maintain future investigation The waves reached a height of 30 m after the seismic reached its
procedures to go errorless. Mutilated bodies need to be handled maximum intensity, and the effect lasted in the provinces, including
carefully and should be marked properly. the areas Aceh, Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu, India and Khao Lak. The
The Rules used for Management and Transportation of maximum damage was in Aceh.
Body The study conducted estimated that hypocentre was estimated to
There are certain rules and regulations involved in the be 160 km off the western coast of northern Sumatra. The research
transportation of body and preservation of the corpse are as mentioned said that the earthquake that came in Sumatra in the year 2002 was
below. There are in total 17 articles that give the guidelines related to the foreshock to the earthquake on date, which was followed by many
the transport and preservation of corpse, in order to aid investigation earthquakes for consecutive days.
and so as to maintain a proper decorum with the transportation and
The early signs of the earthquake were almost nil as it had the
to maintain the dignity of the dead.
epicenter deep in the sea. There is one more phenomenon rarely
1. The first articles allow a let-pass to be made for the corpse present in any other earthquakes; “disappearing sea effect” was seen
as per the conditions and the requirements of the corpse and the in this one.
international relations. The language for the laissez-passer should be
The identification of disaster victims and their management
of that used by the international border.
began in the next 24 hours after the disaster took place. The records
2. The second article says that there is no other document given by INTERPOL as per the rescue mission and the DVI procedure
required and the laws of transportation are not applicable and the conducted the major identification of the victims was done by dental
body must be transported in a coffin as per the proper guidelines of records, 35% were identified through fingerprint identification
the arrangement. and 20% were identified by DNA analysis of the victims with the
suspected family members. It was discovered during identification
3. The third article states that the corpse should be in a coffin of that majority of the victims are of Thai origin. After the work of the
metal and should be covered with an absorbent and an antiseptic concerned authorities was done the remains that were earlier stored
substance and the coffin needs to be soldered properly so as to avoid at Mail khao Cemetery were shifted to Thai Tsunami Repatriation
contamination and tampering of evidences (if any). Centre at Bang Maruan for final reconciliation process and once the
4. The persons who died as a result of plague, cholera, typhus process was done, the bodies to be released to the concerned family
should be kept in the same country till a year. The authorities should members.
not allow for the same. Case Study 2: Uttarakhand Disaster
5. Article 5 is relative of the transportation of the corpse by rail, Date of incidence: 17 June 2013-26 June 2013
and then there shouldn’t be any other material along with the coffin
Estimated Casualty: 5748 dead, 4120 missing
and each state that the corpse crosses should have a specified time
limit to be followed. Most prominently known as “Dev Bhoomi”, Uttarakhand [21] is
a well visited place by the pilgrims as well as tourist due to its hilly
6. Article 6 revolves around transportation of the corpse by motor terrain. From 17 June to 26 June 2013, there had been heavy rainfall in
transport, article seven tells the guidelines about transportation by air the region and the cloud burst on 17 June 2013, intensified the disaster
and article 8 suggests the guidelines of transportation by sea. and the water level in the region resulting in a flooding condition, far
7. Article 9 revolves around transportation by sea and then burial beyond the capacity of the area. The flow of the water reached up till
of the corpse relative of the rules given in article 3 and 2. Mandakini and Alaknanda river, posing a threat to the pilgrims there.

8. Article 11 tells about the involvement of ashes in the laws The rescue mission began in around 24 hours, with the help of

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the authorities from the other states and with the help of NDMA as of the explosion. Anthropological analysis cannot only enable us to
per the guidelines of INTERPOL. The first list that was released of the know the age, sex, and community of the victim but also tells us about
victims included, a missing list of 4120 people that included around the living style of the victim so as to ease investigation. Thus, in order
92 foreigners, due to the intensity of the disaster all of the victims to make a speedy investigation and reduce the chances of further
were presumed to be dead. disasters in that area, pairing of the disaster victim identification
team and the forensic analysis team can be a golden standard mark
Help from army, navy and ITBP was also taken to intensify the
to enhance the investigating capacity and to provide justice to the
rescue response so as to enable fast identification. Rescue mission
deceased as well as the living victims of the disaster.
conducted by IAF saved around 18424 people till 30 June, 2013 and
around 33009 pilgrims in corresponding 15 days. References
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Conclusion
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24. Forensic Odontology. 2020.
forensic analysts can enable the exact location of the blasting material
involved and the type of explosive used by looking on to the intensity

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