Kathmandu, October 14:

Eight of the 15 bodies charred beyond recognition in the Twin Otter crash last Wednesday in Tenzing-Hillary airstrip in Lukla have been identified, according to forensic department of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH).

The bodies have been identified based on fingerprints and dental records of the deceased passengers, an expert from the TUTH said. The identification process began on October 11 with the help of German and Australian forensic

experts. However, the names of the identified bodies have not been disclosed yet.

"It will be possible to give all details only after all the bodies are identified, which is likely to complete by the end of this week," he added.

More than 10 German forensic experts and over five Australian experts have been working with the experts of the hospital in examining the body of the crash victims.Twelve Germans, two Australians and four Nepalis were killed.

Yeti Airlines said the aircraft (9N-AFE) burst into flames after crash-landing on the sloping airstrip in foggy weather condition at the Tenzing-Hillary airstrip in Lukla. S Kunwar, captain of the plane, however, miraculously survived the crash and is undergoing treatment.

The bodies of three Nepalis have been identified and handed over to their kin and identification of 15 others is going on.