Forensic teams to expedite identification of bodies recovered from George building collapse

GEORGE - The identification of bodies retrieved from the George construction tragedy is now a key focus, as rescue, demolition and investigation operations continue at the site.

Thirty-three deaths have been confirmed, with 19 people still unaccounted for.

The 42-unit block folded last week Monday, with at least 81 people on site.

The labour department is leading an investigation into the incident, while the Engineering Council of South Africa and the Human Rights Commission are also looking into it.

However, until all the workers have been accounted for, the site of the collapsed building remains a crime scene. 

The primary focus of the operation also continues to be on rescue efforts. 

Garden Route disaster management chief, Gerhard Otto, said that forensic teams were setting up plans to expedite the identification of victims.

"We're also doing eight post mortems. Once that is done, then we have photos, markings that we can take back to the hall, to the families."

Fingerprints, DNA testing and photographs of unique markings like tattoos and clothing items are among the methods being used to identify the deceased. 

Only six bodies have been positively identified.