(HONG KONG) — Authorities in Hong Kong face a protracted and challenging identification process following a catastrophic five-alarm fire that engulfed seven of eight residential blocks at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, claiming the lives of an estimated 159 residents. As DNA samples were collected from grieving families yesterday, forensic dentistry experts warned today that positively identifying all victims could take months, possibly extending up to a year, mirroring timelines seen in complex international disaster scenarios.
The devastating inferno not only resulted in a massive loss of life but also complicated forensic efforts, with 31 individuals currently unaccounted for. Dr. Raymond Leung (a forensic odontologist), speaking on a local radio program, underscored the difficulties involved in disaster victim identification (DVI) when dealing with severely damaged remains.
DNA Essential for Extreme Burn Cases
Police are primarily relying on DNA analysis, collecting buccal swab samples from relatives to establish genetic links. Dr. Leung noted that while international DVI standards rely on three primary methods—DNA, dental records, and fingerprints—the intensity of the blaze likely destroyed easily-compromised evidence like fingerprints.
The challenge lies in the state of the remains. Fire, especially at high temperatures, can degrade genetic material quickly. When direct DNA samples from the victims (such as stored personal items) are unavailable or destroyed, authorities must turn to indirect familial identification.
“The closer the biological relationship, the higher the accuracy of the DNA match,” Dr. Leung explained, emphasizing that comparisons between parents and children yield the most robust results due to shared genetic coding.
High Heat Degrades Genetic Evidence
Forensic experts face the brutal reality that extreme heat compromises even the most resilient tissues. While hard tissues like bone and teeth typically offer better DNA survival rates than soft tissues, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can destroy the samples. Boney tissue DNA, primarily located in the bone marrow, is often incinerated in severe fires.
Teeth, known for their structural resilience, can withstand fire up to 1,100 degrees Celsius for six hours; however, in extraordinary circumstances like the Wang Fuk Court blaze, even dental structures can be compromised. This degradation means that despite exhaustive efforts, authorities may ultimately be unable to identify every victim.
Beyond Genetics: Auxiliary Clues
To navigate the limited or compromised DNA evidence, investigators are pivoting to auxiliary identification methods. Police are actively seeking information regarding any distinctive personal effects worn by the missing residents, such as metal jewelry or keys.
Metals, due to their higher melting points, often survive the fire, offering potential tracing clues. Furthermore, the chaotic nature of the site, which may include commingled human and non-human skeletal remains, necessitates the involvement of forensic anthropologists to ensure accurate separation and classification.
Dr. Leung cautioned that while the police are working diligently, the sheer scale of the disaster ensures a demanding timeline. Given the complexity and volume of the cases, he anticipates that the confirmation of all victims will be measured in months rather than weeks, offering a grim but realistic outlook for the affected families seeking closure. The precise duration needed remains uncertain, but international benchmarks suggest preparation for one of the longest DNA identification efforts in Hong Kong’s recent history.
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