*** SwissAir crash images released
High resolution crash-site video of SwissAir Flight 111 has been released
indicating massive disintegration of the fuselage. Initially, salvage crew
sonar indicated there might be large pieces of the aircraft on the sea floor.
However, it is now believed that crash impact was significantly more severe
than first anticipated. While there is an enormous amount of debris, very
little was left intact, leaving a confusing layout of various mismatched
sections of the aircraft. Early in the investigation, Canadian officials
believed that the MD-11 may have hit an ocean buoy. In other news, officials
have said that the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) indicates that the crew
had smelled something and were taking action three minutes prior to the
PAN PAN PAN transmission. (AJN 18SEP98 14:45 UTC)
*** SR111 Press Release: analysis isolates DNA patterns for 142 victims
The work of identifying victims from Swissair flight SR111 is moving forward.
Investigators in Halifax have been able to analyze DNA samples of 142 victims,
67 women and 75 men. These samples will now be compared with those taken from
relatives of the victims. DNA specialists have so far gathered 192 samples
from relatives in close to 80 families. Eight victims have been positively
identified until now.
DNA is a type of genetic fingerprint. Although possessing distinguishing
characteristics that are all but unique to an individual, certain traits
are passed from one generation to the next. The samples collected from
the victims of the crash are therefore being compared with relatives to
aid in the identification process. A total of 25 specialists from the Royal
Canadian Mounted Police are currently involved in identifying the SR 111
victims.
In Halifax, Canadian authorities and Swissair representatives met with close
to 150 fisherman. Discussions focused on ways to ease the burdens of fisherman
prevented from fishing because of an exclusion zone enforced around the crash
area. Talks were very constructive and a solution should be reached soon.
http://www.swissair.com/press_releases/pressrel_170998_2300-en.htm
*** SR111 Press Release: families use Swissair assistance
Zurich, September 16, 1998, 17:30 - Some 83 victims' families have so
far taken advantage of Swissair's offer of immediate financial assistance
following the loss of flight SR 111. A further 42 requests are being
processed. Swissair has been contacted by more than 150 relatives to date.
Total payments to families currently amount to over CHF 2.5 million.
Swissair is providing this immediate financial aid on a voluntary basis.
The SAirGroup's top management held a telephone conference today with
international financial analysts and investors. The main focus was on
insurance issues, along with booking and cancellation trends. The SAirGroup
was represented by CEO Philippe Bruggisser and CFO Georges Schorderet.
Bruggisser emphasised that the accident had not had any tangible impact
on confidence in Swissair, and that forward bookings showed stable trends.
Responding to speculation on compensation amounts, Schorderet pointed out
that Swissair was adequately covered against such risks through its membership
of a multi-airline insurance pool.
http://www.swissair.com/press_releases/pressrel_160998_1700-en.htm
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