THE forensic pathology services and police victim identification unit have so far managed to identify 36 remains from the Mamatlakala Bridge accident.
This brings the total number of positively identified bodies to 42 so far, after six bodies were first positively identifiable shortly after the accident.
Only three bodies are left to be identified.
The accident happened on the bridge along the R518 road outside Mokopane in Limpopo on Thursday, 28 March.
The victims were from Gaborone in Botswana and were on their way to attend the annual Easter Pilgrimage of the St. Engenas ZCC in Moria outside Polokwane when the driver lost control and plunged into the bridge, killing 45 passengers.
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The teams were expected to meet on Monday, 22 April, at Mokopane Hospital, where they were meant to finalise the packaging of the remains of the deceased to prepare them for repatriation while finalising the analysis of the remaining samples of three bodies.
Limpopo health spokesman Thilivhali Muavha said the multidisciplinary team, which is currently responsible for coordinating the recovery and positive identification, which will result in repatriation of the remains of those who perished, can confirm that up to so far, 42 human remains have been positively identified through the DNA processes.
Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba said they appreciate the teams for their professionalism and the speed at which they managed to handle this disaster and its sensitivity.
“We're short of words to appreciate our team for the professionalism and speed at which they managed to handle this disaster and appreciating its sensitivity. We're looking forward to meeting the team on Monday, 22 April, at Mokopane Hospital, where further updates on the way forward will be provided. The team is currently finalising the analysis of the remaining samples,” said Ramathuba.
