Harris Co. requests state's help to store human remains

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Harris County has requested the state's help to store human remains as the region recovers from the wrath of Hurricane Harvey.

A spokesperson for the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences said the county has not yet run out of space; rather, the request is proactive as search and recovery efforts persist over the coming weeks.

Harris County is currently using its refrigerated mass disaster vehicle, which is capable of storing 22 bodies. The county has asked for a larger refrigerated vehicle as its Texas Medical Center-area facility nears capacity, which has not happened in modern times.

As of Friday morning, the Harris County medical examiner has confirmed 25 Harvey-related deaths, with several more under investigation. Those figures are expected to rise.

Report a typo to the ABC13 staff