DNA matching to identify Jammu fire victims

Jammu, Jan 1: Authorities on Friday, Jan 1 decided to conduct DNA matching of those killed in the Jammu fire after normal identification became difficult as nine of the 10 bodies were burnt beyond recognition.

Ten people died in the fire that broke out in the barracks of tunnel workers in Chanderkote of Ramban district on Friday, police said.

"Only one victim -- Rakesh Kumar of Himachal Pradesh -- has been been identified," a senior police officer told IANS here.

The bodies are being placed in coffins after labelling them so that after DNA matching, they can be handed over to their relatives for last rites.

Besides, three people are undergoing treatment for severe burn injuries.

The victims belonged to Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and various areas of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

The victims include earth mover drivers, helpers and labourers working in the Nasra tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.

IANS