PF expert details elements that contribute to the identification of the bodies

Federal Police forensic expert Carlos Palhares provided details on the process of identifying the bodies of the victims of the plane crash that occurred in Vinhedo, in the interior of São Paulo, involving a Voepass plane. During a press conference held this Saturday (10), Palhares highlighted the main methods used in this procedure.

According to the expert, the forensic activity is divided into two main areas: one group dedicated to identifying the bodies and another focused on investigating the aircraft accident for criminal purposes. Palhares emphasized that the main focus at first is identifying the victims, a task carried out in cooperation with state agencies.

Identification methods

The expert explained that there are three main methodologies that allow the return of bodies to families: fingerprints, dental examination (analysis of the dental arch) and genetic tests.

Palhares highlighted that, in exceptional cases, an anthropological examination may also be carried out, if the passenger has orthopedic plates or some other medical characteristic.

Challenges and special care

The work of removing the bodies is meticulous and requires special care. Experts wear biological protection suits due to the specific conditions at the accident site, which was affected by a fire.

Palhares stressed that, despite the complexity of the case, the condition of the bodies should not be a complicating factor for identification, at least for those already removed. However, he warned that bodies close to the fire area may present greater complexity in the examination process.

Family support

Palhares also mentioned the work carried out with the victims’ families. A suitable location was set up near the São Paulo Institute of Forensic Medicine (IML) with psychological support to receive the families. At this stage, information is collected that will assist in the identification process, following international protocols.

The expert concluded by stating that it is not possible to establish a deadline for the conclusion of the identification process, but he assured that the best professionals from the Federal Police (PF) and the São Paulo Technical Police Superintendence are committed to ensuring that the identification is carried out as quickly as possible, allowing the bodies to be returned to the families.