Rapid, efficient dental identification of 92% of 13 train passengers carbonized during a collision with a petrol tanker

Abstract

On September 8, 1997 (day 0), an express train in Aquitaine, France, crashed into a petrol tanker, which immediately burst into flames and set the first carriage of the train on fire. We describe the dental technique and methodology which led (day 2) to the positive identification of 92% of these very heavily carbonized remains. In only 1 case, and only to be totally certain, did the investigators have recourse to use molecular biologic techniques. The use of this specific odontostomatologic technique (craniomandibular disarticulation with bone samples) and excellent collaboration with the Identification Unit for Mass Disasters Victims (CIVC) precluded recourse to any reconstructive identification.