[Identification of corpses in mass disasters].

Reference is made to an air disaster causing considerable loss of life near Palermo. The type of lesions noted on the bodies is described and the criteria adopted for identification and recognition in accordance with the present legislation are explained. The reasons for mistaken identification, some of them of a most unusual nature, are listed and their prevention is discussed. An examination is also made of some recent proposals concerning the avoidance of such errors in disasters involging large numbers of persons.