Tragedy at Tlahuelilpan

Sol Prendido for Borderland Beat translated and republished from La Silla Rota

15 days after the explosion in Tlahuelilpan, they identify 70 victims

Of the 68 remains found at the site of the incident, only 16 have been identified, which were already delivered to their families

Until last week, the PGJ had 69 investigation folders related to the disappearance of people during the explosion in Tlahuelilpan (Cuartoscuro)

After 15 days of the explosion in Tlahuelilpan, reports from the government of the state of Hidalgo reveal the 70 names of the people who have been identified so far and who lost their lives during or after the tragedy.

Of the 122 victims, 68 died in the place on Friday, January 18 and 54 in the different hospitals of Mexico City, Edomex and Hidalgo, where they had previously been transferred for their care as injured.

Of the 68 remains found at the site of the incident, only 16 have been identified, which were already delivered to their families.

RECORD OF DECEASED IN HOSPITALS

click to enlarge 

There are 52 bodies that have not been identified. "It is estimated that it will take about 6 months to be recognized" and until then all the names will be taken, "if identification is achieved", according to data from the Hidalgo government.

Until last week, the Attorney General's Office (PGJ) had 69 investigative folders related to the same number of reports due to the disappearance of people during the Tlahuelilpan explosion.

"Before the Public Prosecutor's Office, 69 investigative folders were opened for events related to the incident in question," the state agency said through an information card

He also reported that the Directorate of Expert Services of the PGJH has taken 62 samples from the families of the victims to obtain their genetic profile and thus be able to compare them with the 52 remains that remain unidentified.

"No effort will be spared to achieve the identification of the human remains that will remain protected in the facilities of the

Forensic Medical Service of this Attorney General's Office", located in Pachuca, the capital of the state of Hidalgo.

However, despite the fact that a genetic sample had already been made of relatives who reported missing persons, on January 28, the PGJH reported that a second DNA test was performed on that day.

Two days later, the State Attorney's Office indicated that according to forensic genetics, "samples are taken from spouses that complement the children's, in order to have greater certainty in the identification of remains." This later, local media report that due to a mistake a second genetic sample is lifted.

Previously, the governor of Hidalgo, Omar Fayad posted on his Twitter account that they have to wait for the pertinent studies to be carried out on the remains that have not been identified. "The first will be made in Hidalgo, for those who can not be made in the state we will have the support of the Attorney General of the Republic."

He also reiterated that, if necessary, they will be sent to the United States or Europe to be identified.