The plane crash at Mangalore plunged Kerala into deep sorrow as at least 50 of those killed are believed to be Malayalis, mostly from the northern districts of Kasargode and Kannur.
While 14 of the victims from Kerala had been identified, going by the names of the passengers and information locally available, at least 50 of those who died could be Keralites, official sources here said.
According to the district administration here, 24 of them had been confirmed as hailing from different parts of Kasargode district. Unconfirmed reports, however, put it at 34.
The tragedy sent shock waves across the area, which has several "Gulf pockets", with family members of the victims breaking down.
Many of the bodies, kept in Wentlock Hospital in Mangalore, were charred beyond recognition and relatives of the victims found it difficult to identify them.
Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Health Minister P K Sreemathy and elected representatives from the area are in Mangalore to oversee the arrangements for identifying the victims and handing over the bodies to relatives.
Five of the eight passengers, who miraculously survived, were Keralites.
Describing it as a "gruesome and extremely unfortunate tragedy", Achuthanandan said the state would extend all possible help to the families of the victims.
The Home Minister said the cabinet at its next meeting would decide the solatium to be paid for the next of kin of the victims. PTI
