Bodies of two Keralam fire victims brought home from Germany

The bodies of two Keralam residents who died in a Germany apartment fire arrived at the Kochi airport early Friday, while the third victim's body is expected later tonight. The victims are Sivin Johny, 26, from Kalady in Ernakulam district, Nova Sabu, 25, from Kattappana in Idukki district, and Anjali Sheela Joy, 27, from Chemmakkad in Kollam district. They died last week in a residential building fire in Bochum, Germany. Cochin International Airport Limited officials confirmed that the mortal remains of Johny and Joy landed early Friday morning. Relatives and public representatives received the bodies at the airport and moved them to their home towns in ambulances. Johny's body was taken to an Aluva hospital for formalities before being shifted to his home in Manickamangalam near Kalady. His funeral prayers are scheduled for 2 pm, followed by burial at St Rocky's Church in Manickamangalam. Joy's body was also sent to her hometown after completing airport formalities. Sabu's body is scheduled to arrive at the airport tonight at 8.15 pm.

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State government agency NORKA Roots and Chief Minister VD Satheesan arranged and covered the expenses for transporting the mortal remains back to Keralam. Such state-backed repatriation efforts are standard procedure for helping diaspora families during overseas tragedies.