This was revealed by the department at the Diepkloof Forensic Pathology Services (FPS) where families descended on Friday to identify their loved ones.

The government on Thursday urged families of the deceased to make their way to the Diepkloof FPS mortuary in Soweto from Friday for the identification of bodie whole the mortuary will also be open on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Marshalltown building, on the corner of Albert and Delvers streets, was gutted in the early hours on Thursday, claiming the lives of 40 males, 24 females and 12 children.

Acting CEO for Gauteng forensic pathology services Thembalethu Mpahlaza said they can confirm that they managed to admit 74 bodies and they will be subjected to the Lodox System, which is an X-ray imaging device.

Mpahlaza added that the DNA process started on Thursday evening but was delayed due to load-shedding and once the process started, the forensic team realised only 12 bodies can be viewed.

Meanwhile counsellors and faith-based leaders will be on hand to provide support to the affected families.