Family still grappling with crash aftermath

Dubai: The last four days have been an emotional roller-coaster for the family, said Peter Pereira, brother of Julius D. Pereira, 38, one of the seven victims of a helicopter crash here on Wednesday.

The accident took place off the coast of Dubai. Two bodies were charred beyond recognition.

Speaking to Gulf News from Pune, India, Peter said yesterday his brother had been working as a material coordinator for the company for the last couple of years. The family, he said, received the news of Julius' death through the media.

"We expect to have more details in a couple of days. I am a bit reluctant to pass the phone on to Julius' wife. She is devastated."

It had only been a year-and-a-half since Julius married and he was just a week away from celebrating his 39th birthday.

Meanwhile, Valriano Benito, the Philippines Consul General in Dubai, said the Filipino killed in the accident had been identified as Diosdado Buhangin.

A senior Dubai Police official said production had resumed at the oil rig that was struck by the helicopter during the crash.