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A Forensic Approach to Complex Identification Cases: The Collapse of an Italian Cemetery into the Sea
Camilla Tettamanti1,2, Francesca Frigiolini1, Lorenzo Franceschetti3
1Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, University of Genova, Via De Toni 12, 16132 Genova, Italy.
Genes
|March 28, 2025
Summary
Forensic scientists identified human remains after an Italian cemetery collapse using DNA analysis and personal effects. This ensured dignified burials and closure for families following the disaster.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Disaster Victim Identification
- Bioarchaeology
Background:
- A 2021 coastal landslide in Italy caused a cemetery collapse, displacing approximately 370 coffins.
- Over 200 coffins fell into the sea, necessitating urgent recovery and identification of human remains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the forensic methodologies employed in recovering and identifying human remains from a mass disaster.
- To ensure the dignified treatment of the deceased and provide closure for grieving families.
Main Methods:
- Recovery operations conducted by firefighters and scuba divers.
- Forensic analysis by the Medical Staff of Legal and Forensic Medicine.
- Utilized Interpol's Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) standards for documentation, including DNA profiling from bone fragments and comparison with ante-mortem data.
Main Results:
- Successfully identified 28 bodies through DNA analysis and 19 through secondary means (personal effects, non-genetic data).
- Collected DNA from 147 bone fragments and obtained consent from 66 out of 77 eligible relatives.
- Observed advanced post-mortem phenomena in remains dating from the late 19th century to 2017.
Conclusions:
- The case underscores the need for adaptable forensic strategies in disaster victim identification.
- Combined genetic and non-genetic methods are essential for accurate identification and dignified handling of human remains.
- Streamlined operations at a dedicated identification area improved efficiency and maintained forensic integrity.
