(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — The Lebanese delegation in Mali is currently examining the bodies of Lebanese passengers on the AH507 Air Algerie flight, which crashed last week killing all 117 passengers and 6 crew members.
3 Lebanese families, including 19 passengers and 10 children were on the flight.
“The Lebanese delegation met with concerned French authorities who assured that looking for victims’ bodies will take up to two weeks,” LBCI television reported on Monday.
The delegation is reportedly in Mali to examine bodies, gather security information, and conduct DNA tests, which are expected to take at least two weeks. Lebanese DNA expert Dr. Fouad Ayoub is currently visiting the crash site.
France asked for Lebanon’s permission to transfer Lebanese passengers’ bodies to Paris to further conduct tests, and compare them with other passengers and their families. Lebanon reportedly agreed and asked French officials to allow Ayoub to take part in the DNA testing.
The wreckage of the plane was located 30 miles north of the Burkina Faso border in Mali’s Gossi region.