The multi-story building site that was devastated by fire last month in Sydney’s inner city has no bodies, according to NSW Police.
Just after 4 o’clock on Thursday, May 25, the “once in a decade” fire started at the old site of the RC Henderson women’s hat factory in Surry Hills.
The ancient warehouse was frequently utilised by rough sleepers because it had fallen into despair.
The night before the event, according to the police, more than a dozen persons stayed there.
Two people were reported missing following the fire, and cadaver-detection dogs and forensic imaging tools were sent in to begin the hunt for human remains.
However, on Saturday, the new Strike Force Strontium and the operation centre set up to coordinate the clean-up, destruction, and inquiry were disbanded after police said no bodies had been discovered.
According to a police statement, “crime-scene investigations concluded without discovering human remains at the scene of last month’s significant building fire.”
Officers from the Forensic Evidence and Technical Services Command, a cadaver-detection dog, and investigators from Strike Force Strontium conducted in-depth investigations and exams.
“The site was returned to the owners’ control after the final inquiries were resolved.”
In the days following the fire, a 12-year-old who came forward on May 27 and two 13-year-old boys who turned themselves in to police were helping with the investigation.
Police refused to respond when asked if the lads were still involved in the strike force’s inquiry into the cause of the fire.
The incident caused more than 140 inhabitants of nearby units to be evacuated.
Those who reside at 38 Chalmers Street had been permitted to go home for brief visits to gather necessities, but as of Saturday, they are finally back permanently.
However, those who live at 34 Chalmers Street must remain away from home for at least another week, while Randle Street homeowners must wait much longer.
It will likely be many weeks before those occupants can move back because of the considerable damage the neighbouring building’s basement at 1-5 Randle Street caused, according to a statement from the police.
After thorough risk assessments by engineers and government officials, demolition work at the site started towards the end of last month.
