In a significant breakthrough, forensic scientists in New York have successfully identified the remains of two more victims from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This development comes over two decades after the tragic event that claimed nearly 3,000 lives.
The identifications were confirmed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), which has been tirelessly working to match recovered remains using advanced DNA technology. The names of the victims have been withheld at the request of their families.
A Painstaking Process
Since the attacks, forensic teams have been meticulously analysing bone fragments and other remains recovered from Ground Zero. The latest identifications mark the first new matches since 2021, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to providing answers to grieving families.
"Our work continues," said a spokesperson for the OCME. "With each identification, we honour the memory of those lost and bring some measure of comfort to their loved ones."
The Toll of 9/11
- 2,977 people killed in the attacks (excluding the 19 hijackers)
- 1,106 victims still unidentified
- 40% of victims have had remains identified through DNA analysis
The identifications were made possible through refined DNA extraction techniques that can work with extremely degraded samples. This technological advancement offers hope that more families may yet receive closure.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams praised the forensic team's dedication: "This work reminds us of both the enormity of our loss and the resilience of our city."
