Israel to assist Thailand in identifying plane crash victims

Israel to send MDA, police, forensic teams to Phuket to aid local authorities in identification process. Eight Israelis still missing, presumed dead

Efrat Weiss|Published: 09.16.07 , 21:56

A team of six Israeli forensic experts is to leave for Thailand on Monday, to assist the Thai authorities with the identification of the fatalities found amidst the wreckage of the plane crash off the coast of Phuket.

One-Two Go flight OG-269 from Bangkok crashed off the island of Phuket on Sunday morning, due to what Thai aviation authorities called "extreme weather conditions".

Eighty-eight people were killed and 42 people were injured in the crash. Flight OG-269 was reportedly carrying 130 passengers.

Rescue workers counting bodies at crash site. (Photo: AP)

So far, eight Israelis who were on the plane are missing and presumed dead. Israeli police officers are expected to visit the families of those missing in the crash, to collect DNA samples, fingerprints and dental records for the purpose of identifying possible remains.

Assisting in identification efforts

Earlier Sunday, Israeli Police received an official request from the Thailand police to assist them in the identification process of the plane crash victims. The police granted assistance, but stressed that identifying the Israeli passengers would be their first priority.

The Foreign Ministry's situation room told Ynet that they were keeping in touch with the missing Israelis' families and that every effort was being made to get as much information as possible from the Thai authorities.

Israeli consul in Thailand, Hanoch Amedi, and the Israel Police attaché in Thailand left for Phuket on an internal military flight, as soon as news of Israelis being among the flight's passengers was confirmed.

Magen David Adom Emergency Services had also sent a team, consisting of a physician and two paramedics, to the crash site. Dr Daphna Givati of MDA told Ynet that "there is a lot of uncertainty about the number of injuries and fatalities, but we'll do everything we can to help.

"Those injured have already been triaged and have received initial medical care," she added. "We're going to see if we can bring any of the wounded back home."