Families to identify Marshalltown fire victims
The Gauteng Department of Health has announced that families of the victims of the Marshalltown building fire can be able to visit the Diepkloof mortuary to identify their loved ones from Friday.
The fire claimed the lives of 74 people.
Out of the 74 bodies, 24 were identified as females, 40 as males, and 10 were an undetermined gender as the bodies were burnt beyond recognition.
Among those succumbed to their fatalities 12 were children.
Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said the 12 bodies of children are being processed at the Gauteng Forensic Pathology Service mortuary in Diepkloof.
"These bodies include 40 males, 24 females and 10 who are undetermined as they have been burned beyond recognition. There are also four body parts which have also been discovered."
Modiba added that identification of the deceased will be needed to claim a body.
"A family member or relative who wishes to identify their loved one should have their original ID of the deceased or birth certificate if the deceased is a child. If the deceased is a foreign national, a passport, asylum seeker certificate or a letter from country of origin confirming who the deceased is and to whom the remains should be handed over to is needed.
"The Gauteng FPS will use the Digital Fingerprint System to identify unknown bodies who have visible fingerprints.
"Identification of the deceased bodies at the Diepkloof FPS will take place on Friday. The facility will also open on Saturday and Sunday from 9am and 3pm. Bodies that been burnt beyond recognition and without fingerprints will be identified through DNA process."
The department has also opened a hotline number to assist family members who would like to trace their loved ones who are either hospitalised or deceased.
This as 61 people were treated at Gauteng hospitals which include Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, South Rand Hospital, Helen Joseph Hospital, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital and Tembisa Hospital.
Out of the 61, sixteen patients were discharged and 17 others were still being seen by doctors.
"Those enquiring would need to provide their personal details including the name and last name of the family member they are tracing. Family members can call the toll-free hotline number on 0800 203 886 or direct line during office hours on 011 355 3048 / 011 241 5707", said Modiba.
ALSO READ
