Identification process of the 39 Essex lorry case victims

Four years ago, the bodies of 39 Vietnamese nationals were discovered in an airtight container on the back of a lorry in Grays, Essex. Investigators have now revealed how they used tattoos, fingerprints, and hidden telephone numbers to piece together the identities of the victims. Deidre Nowell, the casualty bureau manager for Essex Police, received a call about the gruesome discovery while driving. Initially, the police believed all the victims were Chinese, but a Vietnamese interpreter revealed that some of them might be Vietnamese. The investigation team worked tirelessly to identify the victims, who had no identification on them. They set up a casualty bureau in a hall known as "The Pit" and used the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) to gather information from the public. The bureau faced challenges, such as language barriers and hang-up calls from Vietnamese callers who couldn't understand the English welcome message. However, they eventually identified the victims using various methods, including dental records, tattoos, fingerprints, and personal belongings. The identification process involved comparative case analysis and waiting for scientific evidence, such as DNA and dental records, to confirm the victims' identities. After two weeks and one day, all 39 victims were identified, bringing closure to the investigation. The successful identification of the victims brought immense relief to the investigators, who consider it a significant accomplishment. Four individuals were convicted of manslaughter in connection with the deaths, and seven others have been imprisoned. Another defendant is expected to go on trial later this year.