Update Video
GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - Forensic Pathology Services is doing all they can to identify the deceased persons on the disaster site at 75 Victoria Street.
Fingerprints, DNA testing and photographs of unique markings such as tattoos and clothing items are some of the methods.
Assistant Director of Forensics Pathology Services in George, Floyd Herwels, assisted by police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies, spoke to the media briefly this morning.
They explained the process of identifying the deceased and how this is currently being fast-tracked to provide closure to family and friends. The deceased who are recovered are in various stages of decomposition. Families will be sensitised beforehand.
The death toll currently stands on 24 people, and only one of the deceased has been positively identified.
A process is ongoing to connect several others with their families.
Many extra personnel are helping at forensic pathology to help manage the extraordinary situation, which is not limited to the Victoria Street disaster, but also includes other cases.
VIDEO: Forensic pathologist, Floyd Herwels, speaks to the media
Photo: Kristy Kolberg
Previous articles:
- Motorists asked to avoid lower York Street
- Update on building collapse: Death toll rises to 21
- Death toll rises to 17 on Victoria Street disaster
- Mothers serve on disaster site on Mother's Day
- Death toll at disaster site rises to 15
- Rescuers of miracle survivor speak
- Victim elated and thankful that rescue teams came
- Help needed for families at Civic Centre
- Tiler freed after over 116 hours under rubble
- Foreign speaking Psychosocial Practitioners needed to assist families
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