The remains of Thomas Cherian, missing for over 56 years following an Indian Air Force aircraft crash, were recently found, bringing relief to his family. The aircraft, which disappeared in the Himalayas during severe weather, had remained a mystery for decades. Recent operations recovered the bodies of Cherian and three others, offering long-awaited closure to their families.
Discovery Provides Closure 56 Years After Indian Plane Crash
Discovery Provides Closure 56 Years After Indian Plane Crash
The discovery of a victim's body from a 1968 plane crash brings solace to grieving families.
Thomas Cherian, an army craftsman, was aboard an Indian Air Force AN-12 aircraft that vanished in the Himalayas in 1968 amidst treacherous weather conditions. For over half a century, his family was left in limbo, grappling with the distress of his absence. It wasn't until 2003 that the first signs of the crash's tragedy were unearthed when a team of mountaineers discovered a passenger's body. The expedition continued to unravel remnants of the wreckage, and by 2019, the plane had been officially located.
In a recent development, Cherian's body, along with those of Narayan Singh, Malkan Singh, and Munshiram, was discovered 16,000 feet up near the Dhaka glacier. This effort, led by the Dogra Scouts using advanced satellite and radar technology, allowed families to finally lay their loved ones to rest. Cherian's identity was confirmed via his uniform's nametag and a document found with his remains.
The revelation brought bittersweet relief to Cherian's brother, Thomas Thomas, who expressed profound gratitude for the closure after years of waiting. Despite enduring the agony of loss, the family appreciated the army's steadfast communication throughout the years. A casket containing Cherian's remains arrived in Kerala, where a service honored his memory, wrapping a chapter of unresolved tragedy in cherished closure.
In a recent development, Cherian's body, along with those of Narayan Singh, Malkan Singh, and Munshiram, was discovered 16,000 feet up near the Dhaka glacier. This effort, led by the Dogra Scouts using advanced satellite and radar technology, allowed families to finally lay their loved ones to rest. Cherian's identity was confirmed via his uniform's nametag and a document found with his remains.
The revelation brought bittersweet relief to Cherian's brother, Thomas Thomas, who expressed profound gratitude for the closure after years of waiting. Despite enduring the agony of loss, the family appreciated the army's steadfast communication throughout the years. A casket containing Cherian's remains arrived in Kerala, where a service honored his memory, wrapping a chapter of unresolved tragedy in cherished closure.
